Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has reaffirmed his support for a southern presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Chief Ortom made this declaration during his first media chat since leaving office in 2023 on Thursday in Makurdi.
Ortom also emphasized the need for equity and fairness in Nigeria’s governance.
He further cited the unwritten constitution of Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement, where the north and south were expected to alternate in power every eight years.
He expressed regret over sacrificing his senatorial ambition in 2023 for a southern presidency, adding that he believed the arrangement was essential for the country’s unity in diversity.
While Ortom’s preference is for a southern presidential candidate, he noted that if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has a credible candidate with the capacity to perform better than the current president, they would support that candidate.
However, if no such candidate emerges, Ortom said that he would support any good candidate from the southern region in 2027.
Regarding the ongoing coalition of political parties into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ortom expressed disinterest, affirming his commitment to the PDP.
He described himself as a bona fide member of the party, serving as the leader in Benue and a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) at the national level.
“There is an unwritten constitution in this country that the north should rule for eight years and the south eight years.
“Anything that is not southern presidency, I’m not in. It is wrong; we must work together as a people for our unity and diversity.
“Politics is a game of interest. There are no permanent enemies but permanent interests, ” he said.
Ortom’s stance on the southern presidency reflects the ongoing debate about power rotation and zoning in Nigerian politics.
His comments may influence the PDP’s decision-making process as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
