Immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has tendered a public apology to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the state for imposing a gubernatorial candidate on the party during the 2023 elections.
According to The Sun, he described that act as his major political mistake which led the party to lose election .
Ortom, particularly apologized to his former appointees; including Professor Dennis Ityavyar, Hon Terkaa Ucha, a former House of Assembly Member and supporters for his wrong decision in imposing the then speaker, Engr Titus Uba as governorship candidate of the PDP during the 2023 general election.
The former Governor who spoke in his in Makurdi reaidence while addressing his former appointees who paid him a solidarity visit, said the decision was taken without seeking God’s guidance and against warning signs that later cost the state in millions of naira.
Ortom said “The mistake I did in 2023 was to impose a gubernatorial candidate on all of you who are in PDP. I did not ask God. We had a mock election in Vandeikya and when the result came out, he came a distant fourth. I called some people and consulted them and they told me he was a difficult market to sell politically but I pleaded with them and they didn’t know how to say no to me.
“That was how we turned the process to favour him and I did without asking God. That was a greated mistake I did. I apologize to Denis Ityavyar, Angya and Terkaa Ucha who came out number 1,2 and 3 and to all of you.”
He expressed regret that despite investing heavily on Uba, including spending over N300 million on his medical treatment with government funds, the candidate won only in Guma (Ortom LGA) and Gwer West local government areas (Ortom’s wife home) during the election.
Ortom apologized to his supporters and also faulted them for not challenging his decision at that time urging them not to be afraid of their leaders but to always advise them when they are making a mistake.
Ortom also revealed why he never went to court after losing his 2023 senatorial bid, saying he never wanted to contest the election and the decision was taken without his consent and divine approval.
He said the experience had taught him not to do anything in life without consulting God first and seeking His approval.
Ortom said that as political activities begin to build toward 2027, he would not contest any election, but would stand as a pillar of support for all those contesting to ensure that leadership emerges through God’s will rather than political imposition.
He described his current political engagements with the APC as part of a strategic partnership aimed at promoting peace and inclusiveness in the State.
He also clarified again that he remains in PDP adding “I am not going anywhere, but I believe in strategic partnership. Politics is about inclusion and interest, not fighting. We are not going to be hostile to any group but work together to confront the challenges facing Benue state.”
Ortom acknowledged the political leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) Senator George Akume, describing him as a central figure in Benue politics, urging political actors across party lines to work together for peace and stability in the state.
He called on politicians to quit insulting one another and cautioned youths and social media users to desist from abuse elders and political office holders but to use the social media to add value to themselves and the state.
He further cautioned traditional rulers against open involvement in partisan politics, insisting they must remain neutral as custodians of the people and culture or risk legal action.
Ortom called on PDP aspirants to boldly come out for their positions while prioritizing dialogue ahead of future elections, and also urged citizens to continue to pray for leaders at all levels of government, stressing that peaceful environments, respect for rule of law, and divine guidance were essential for credible elections.
Earlier, leader of the appointees from the 23 local government areas, Adzer Abya, thanked Ortom for the opportunity to serve in his administration, describing his leadership between 2015 and 2023 as inclusive and people-centred.
Abya who stated that the former led by example and provided leadership where there was none, pledged their continued support for Chief Ortom urging him to keep up the good work.
