In a surprising moment of self-reflection, the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has publicly admitted that his political strategy during the 2023 general elections was flawed. Speaking to a group of his former appointees and loyalists who visited his Makurdi residence on Sunday, Ortom offered an unreserved apology for his role in the emergence of Engr. Titus Uba as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate.
The former governor confessed that the decision to back Uba was a significant mistake, admitting that he bypassed spiritual guidance and ignored clear warning signs. He pointed out that during the mock primaries, the candidate had actually come in fourth place, a result that should have served as a red flag. Despite this, he moved forward with the imposition a move he now realizes was costly for his supporters and the party at large.
Interestingly, Ortom didn’t just blame himself; he also challenged his former aides for staying silent when they knew things were going south. He questioned why more of them didn’t speak up or challenge his authority at the time, urging them that in the future, they should never be too afraid of a leader to tell them the truth. This candid conversation with Reports highlights a rare moment of a Nigerian politician taking responsibility for a failed campaign strategy.
Beyond the governorship race, Ortom touched on his own 2023 senatorial bid, revealing that he never truly intended to run for the seat. He claimed the decision was made without his full consent or “divine approval,” and he noted that the lessons learned from that experience were why he chose not to challenge the election results in court. The former governor seems at peace with the outcome, viewing it as a necessary learning curve.
Looking toward 2027, Ortom has made it clear that he will not be on any ballot. He stated firmly that he has no ambition to contest in the next election cycle, believing instead that leadership should emerge naturally through the will of God rather than political maneuvering. While he remains a committed member of the PDP, he emphasized that his focus has shifted toward “strategic partnerships” rather than bitter rivalries.
In a move that signals a desire for political stability in Benue, Ortom spoke highly of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, describing him as a pivotal figure in the state’s political landscape. He urged actors across all party lines to prioritize the state’s interest and work together, noting that politics should be about inclusion and shared interests rather than endless fighting.
