Ortom breaks silence as INEC declares Benue guber election inconclusive

Governor Samuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has reacted to the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare the Saturday’s governorship election in the state as inconclusive.

Recall that Prof Sebastian Maimako, the Returning Officer for the election, had announced that a rerun election should be conducted within 21 days after the number of invalid votes were greater than the number of victory margin.

Before the announcement, Ortom, who is the incumbent, was leading with over 81,000 votes.

Speaking on the development, Ortom said he was confident of victory despite the declaration by INEC.

He spoke at the Government House in Makurdi shortly after the official announcement on Monday.

His words, “I Samuel Ortom the Governor of Benue State, I am a man who believes in the rule of law, whether election is declared inconclusive or not, we are good to go, because my people are with me.

“We are leading with over 81,000 votes, we have three Senators, over 6 House of Representatives, and a good number of House of Assembly Members.

“If they like, let them come with all the security men, we will still win, if they like let them kill all of us, we can’t be intimidated by anyone, we are ready any day any time.”