Ortom warns against political misinformation, affirms Aondoakaa remains PDP flagbearer

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Former Benue State Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that he convened a secret meeting with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah.

Ortom described the report as a calculated attempt to distort facts and mislead members of the PDP and the general public, insisting that no such discussion ever took place.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the former governor explained that he, alongside the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, and the PDP’s governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), held a meeting on Friday in Makurdi with notable Benue stakeholders as part of ongoing consultations aimed at fostering unity and building a broad-based alliance for the development of the state.

Among those who attended the meeting were Chief Simon Shango, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Engr. Emmanuel Ameh and Dr. Matthias Byuan.

According to Ortom, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation among influential Benue sons and daughters in the interest of the state, stressing that at no point was the issue of replacing Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated or placed on the agenda.

“It is therefore mischievous for anyone to take a legitimate meeting of Benue leaders and manufacture an entirely different motive for it,” he said.

The former governor noted that consultations and engagements across political divides are normal democratic practices and should not be interpreted as secret plots or conspiracies, especially when they are undertaken in the overall interest of the people.

Ortom reaffirmed that Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP for the 2027 governorship election in Benue State and continues to enjoy the full confidence and support of the party’s leadership.

He described the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as a competent and experienced leader with the capacity to address the security, economic and developmental challenges facing Benue State.

According to him, Aondoakaa possesses the vision and leadership qualities needed to reposition the state and place it on the path of sustainable growth and prosperity.

The former governor also cautioned those behind the alleged false report to desist from spreading fabricated stories capable of creating confusion and disaffection within the PDP.

He stressed that political reporting and public commentary should be guided by facts, professionalism and responsible journalism rather than speculation and deliberate falsehood.

Ortom further urged PDP members, supporters of Chief Aondoakaa and the people of Benue State to ignore the rumours and remain focused on the party’s mission of building a formidable coalition that would provide a credible alternative for the state in the 2027 governorship election.

He maintained that no amount of misinformation or political mischief would distract the PDP leadership from its commitment to uniting stakeholders and working towards the progress and development of Benue State.