Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has publicly admitted that his decision to impose a governorship candidate ahead of the 2023 elections was a grave error just he announced that he will not contest any election in 2027 and will instead focus on promoting peace, unity and strategic political partnerships in the state.
Speaking in Makurdi while receiving former appointees who paid him a solidarity visit at his residence, Ortom apologised for what he described as a mistake made without divine guidance, saying the imposed candidate performed poorly even during mock primaries.
“I made a mistake by imposing a candidate. I did not consult God, and that was my greatest mistake,” Ortom said, noting that the candidate ranked fourth in internal assessments and struggled to gain acceptance among party stakeholders.
He disclosed that despite warnings from party members that the candidate would be difficult to sell to voters, he ignored the signs, adding that the eventual election outcome validated those concerns.
According to him, the candidate only won in Guma and Gwer West local government areas.
Ortom also apologised to his former aides, faulting them for failing to openly challenge his decision at the time.
“How many of you came to tell me I was making a mistake? Next time, don’t be afraid of your leader,” he said.
On his failed senatorial bid, Ortom said he never intended to contest and only did so without divine direction, stressing that he had learnt his lessons and it was why he did not resort to litigation over elections.
Looking ahead to 2027, the former governor ruled out any ambition to run for office, insisting that power comes from God and should not be pursued through conflict.
“I’m not going to contest any election in 2027. I will stay back, support others and give back to my people,” he said.
While reaffirming his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ortom said he remained open to strategic partnerships across party lines in the interest of peace and development in Benue State.
He acknowledged Senator George Akume as a major political leader in the state, saying collaboration was necessary to move Benue forward.
Ortom also warned against chaos, electoral manipulation and the misuse of social media, urging youths to engage constructively rather than insult leaders online.
He cautioned traditional rulers to stay out of partisan politics, warning that selective endorsement of candidates was wrong and could attract legal action.
He called for dialogue and inclusiveness within the PDP, assuring party members that no aspirant would be cheated, adding that primaries would be conducted where consensus failed.
“Politics is about inclusiveness and interest, but above all, it is God who gives power,” Ortom said, urging continued prayers for governments at all levels to ensure peace and stability.
