2027: Why I’m supporting Tinubu for second term — Ortom

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and endorsed former Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, as his preferred candidate for the state’s governorship election.

Ortom disclosed his position during an interview on ARISE Television, where he also reaffirmed his political alliance with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

According to the former governor, he and his political associates in Benue would work for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.

“I want to tell you that Wike is my friend. We’re together, we talk together, and we work together. We discuss, we argue and agree on certain principles,” he said.

Ortom recalled supporting Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election but said he accepted Tinubu’s emergence as president and subsequently decided to support him for another term.

“You will recall, in 2023, when Wike was appointed minister, I was there at the reception, and I made a statement, and I have no regret making that statement, that in 2027 some of us will support Tinubu to win.

“In 2023, I supported Obi. But when Nigeria spoke, and President Tinubu was president, I said, ‘Look, what is happening? If you can’t beat them, you join them.’ And we did,” Ortom stated.

He further reaffirmed his loyalty to Wike, describing the FCT minister as his national leader.

“I want to assure you that I remain committed to our national leader, Minister Wike, and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, that I, Samuel Ortom, and my people here in Benue State, as far as we’re concerned, are working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

On the Benue governorship election, Ortom threw his weight behind Aondoakaa, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate.

“I am backing Michael Aondoakaa as my preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. I am backing all my candidates, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly. And I am also backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for President,” he said.