Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, even as he launched a fresh criticism of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Ortom made his position known during an interview on Arise News, where he discussed the political situation in Benue ahead of the 2027 elections.
While expressing support for Tinubu at the federal level, the former governor accused the Alia administration of failing to uphold democratic principles, alleging that the government has sidelined stakeholders and disregarded the rule of law.
According to Ortom, the current administration has spent more than three years in office without adequately engaging political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state.
He also alleged that the government had failed to comply with a court judgment ordering the return of 23 official vehicles seized from him and members of his former administration.
Ortom said he had secured a court victory over the matter, including an award of ₦5 million in damages, but claimed the vehicles had yet to be returned.
The former governor further alleged that Alia had instructed traditional rulers not to receive him during a recent visit to his community.
Ortom also criticised the governor’s handling of security and development issues, saying Alia had failed to convene a stakeholders’ meeting reportedly requested by President Tinubu following the Yelewata massacre.
He argued that the state’s increased federal allocations had not translated into sufficient development across Benue’s 23 local government areas, claiming that most visible development remained concentrated in Makurdi.
Despite his criticism of Alia, Ortom said he remains politically aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and is supporting Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
At the state level, however, Ortom said he would support candidates of his choice for governor and the various legislative positions in 2027.
The former governor’s comments come as political realignments intensify in Benue ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures and aspirants positioning themselves for control of the state.
Ortom maintained that accountability, inclusiveness and respect for democratic institutions must remain central to governance, insisting that elected leaders must maintain direct engagement with the people.
