By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The political loyalty of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has come under fresh scrutiny following alleged reports that his official vehicle was used in receiving the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his controversial visit to the state.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula said on Friday that the development raises questions over Ortom’s declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, especially as the former governor had backed Obi during the 2023 election.
Ortom, a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue, has in recent times publicly indicated his support for Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
However, Obi was reportedly received at the civilian wing of the Nigerian Air Force Base airport, Makurdi, in a Toyota Land Cruiser which Alia’s spokesman said belong to Ortom.
The vehicle details displayed by the CPS, with registration number GWA 608 BT, was linked to Ortom through Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) vehicle registration records.
The report identified the vehicle as a Toyota Land Cruiser, registered in the name of Dr Samuel Ortom, with an address at Judges Quarters, Makurdi, and an application date of June 18, 2021.
Kula speaking to journalists during a press conference in Makurdi alleged that Ortom had sent the vehicle to the airport to receive Obi, who was in Benue as part of activities linked to his presidential campaign.
He questioned Ortom’s loyalty to President Tinubu, saying the former governor was insincere with his pledge to work for the reelection of the governor.
Meanwhile, Obi was in Benue on Tuesday but was prevented from proceeding to some of the locations on his itinerary after his convoy was reportedly blocked by hoodlums.
The NDC presidential candidate had accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of sponsoring the blockage to stop him from visiting Yelewata to commiserate with families of victims of the 2025 killings.
But, the governor’s spokesman, Kula, denied Alia’s involvement, saying the incident was either stage-managed to portray the governor in a bad light or may have resulted from internal disagreements among NDC supporters over developments in the party.
