Samuel Ortom, former governor of Benue State, has ruled out running for any elective office in the 2027 general elections. He made the declaration in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by his Media Adviser/Consultant, Terver Akase, in Makurdi. The statement was a response to social media reports suggesting Ortom had announced plans to contest for a position in Benue State. Ortom described the reports as false and confirmed he would not be on the ballot in 2027. No reason was given for his decision to step away from elective politics at this time. His tenure as governor ended in May 2023 after serving two terms under the Peoples Democratic Party.
Ortom's exit from the 2027 race removes a prominent PDP figure from the national stage just as party dynamics begin to shift. His absence may open space for newer political actors in Benue, though it also leaves a leadership vacuum in a state with rising political tensions. Without a clear successor in his camp, the scramble for influence within the PDP in Benue is likely to intensify early. This move suggests Ortom is betting on influence behind the scenes rather than another term in office.
