Ortom denies interest in senatorial seat

The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has refuted reports suggesting he intends to contest the Benue North-West Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

The clarification comes amid social media speculation that spread widely across the state on Friday.

Ortom, who hails from the Benue North-West Senatorial District, governed the state from 2015 to 2023. He had contested the same senatorial seat in 2023 but lost to his former aide, Senator Titus Zam.

Political observers say the speculation about his potential candidacy in 2027 emerged despite repeated public statements from Ortom that he would not be seeking elective office.

Reacting to the reports, Ortom’s media aide, Terver Akase, described the claims as “fabricated” in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to the statement, the former governor remains focused on political engagement in ways other than holding elective office.

“Ortom has no intention whatsoever to contest any elective office in 2027. He has said this clearly, publicly, and repeatedly. One would expect that a position stated this plainly would not require translation or creative reinterpretation.

Chief Ortom remains committed to supporting democratic ideals, strengthening his party, and offering statesmanlike guidance, not chasing elective office in 2027,” the statement added.

Ortom also acknowledged the messages and calls from supporters, friends, and party members expressing concern over the circulating report, emphasising that the news of his candidacy was untrue.