Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has reiterated his unwavering support for a southern presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, citing the need for equity, fairness, and national unity.
Speaking during his first media chat since leaving office in 2023, Ortom addressed journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, affirming that he remains committed to power rotation between the North and South, in line with what he described as the country's "unwritten constitution."
"There is an unwritten constitution in this country that the North should rule for eight years and the South for eight years. Anything that is not a southern presidency, I'm not in. It is wrong; we must work together as a people for our unity and diversity," Ortom said.
He disclosed that his stance on equity and regional balance influenced his decision to step down from his senatorial ambition in the 2023 elections. While expressing no regret for the sacrifice, Ortom emphasized that national cohesion must be prioritised over personal ambition.
Ortom also stated that while he remains open to supporting a credible candidate with superior leadership capacity, even within his party, his preference is firmly with a southern aspirant.
"If we have a credible candidate who we believe has the capacity to perform more than the sitting president in our party in 2027, we will support the candidate. But if we don't have one, we will support any good candidate in 2027 that is from the South," he said.
In a veiled dismissal of the ongoing coalition of political forces under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ortom made it clear that he is not involved in the movement.
"I am not interested in the ADC coalition," he said firmly.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the People's Democratic Party (PDP), describing himself as a dedicated member, the party's leader in Benue State, and a member of its Board of Trustees (BOT) at the national level.
"Politics is a game of interest. There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. What you are seeing is a normal thing in politics; nothing new.
"But where we need to do a partnership, a strategic partnership, yes, when we know that it would be for the interest of our people, we will do it.
"I don't believe in coalition. There is nothing like a coalition at the moment. We are not doing a coalition with anybody," Ortom added.
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