ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has denied reports claiming he plans to contest the Benue North-West Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.
The clarification follows widespread speculation on social media that circulated across the state on Friday.
Ortom, an indigene of the Benue North-West Senatorial District, served as governor from 2015 to 2023. He had previously contested the same senatorial seat in 2023 but lost to his former aide, Senator Titus Zam.
Political analysts note that the renewed speculation about his possible candidacy in 2027 surfaced despite his repeated public declarations that he would not seek any elective position.
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Responding to the claims, Ortom’s media aide, Terver Akase, dismissed the reports as “fabricated” in a statement released on Saturday.
The statement explained that the former governor remains committed to political involvement outside of 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 receiving calls and messages from supporters, friends, and party members who expressed concern over the circulating report, reiterating that the claim about his candidacy is untrue.