Ortom Backs Southern Presidency for 2027, Distances Self from Atiku’s Coalition

Makurdi – Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Thursday reiterated his unwavering support for a Southern presidency in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a media interaction in Makurdi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain emphasized that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year term before power potentially shifts back to the North, citing an unwritten rotational agreement for equity and fairness.

“Till today, I, Ortom, believe in Southern presidency, even if my party, PDP, is producing a candidate for presidency in 2027, the candidate must be from the South. South should be allowed to complete eight years,” he asserted. He added, “So, for me, I am not supporting a northern candidate.”

Ortom firmly distanced himself from any opposition coalition that might back a Northern presidential candidate, particularly amidst indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as a flag bearer for a coalition, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Ortom, a staunch member and leader of the PDP in Benue State and a Board of Trustees (BOT) member at the national level, stated, “I don’t believe in coalition but where there’s need for strategic partnership, you will see me there.”

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This stance aligns with his previous position as one of the G5 governors who advocated for a Southern president in 2023 after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office. The former governor underscored his commitment to the rotation principle, even disclosing that he sacrificed his senatorial ambition in 2023 for the sake of a Southern presidency.