Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom Denies Interest in 2027 Senatorial Seat, Calls Rumours Fabricated

Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has refuted rumours suggesting he intends to contest the Benue North-West Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, confirming he has no plans to seek any elective office. The clarification was made in a statement issued by his media aide, Terver Akase, on Saturday, describing the circulating reports as “fabricated.”

According to the statement, Chief Ortom remains committed to supporting democratic ideals, strengthening his party, and offering statesmanlike guidance, rather than chasing elective office in 2027. He acknowledged messages and calls from supporters, friends, and party members who expressed concern over the reports, emphasising that the news of his candidacy was untrue.

Ortom, who governed Benue State from 2015 to 2023 and hails from the Benue North-West Senatorial District, had contested the same senatorial seat in 2023 but lost to his former aide, Senator Titus Zam. Political observers say the recent speculation emerged despite repeated public statements from Ortom that he would not be seeking elective office.

The immediate past governor’s position has been consistent, with the statement stressing that one would expect a plainly stated position not to require translation or creative reinterpretation. The development comes amid social media speculation that spread widely across the state on Friday, prompting the swift rebuttal from Ortom’s camp.