The political landscape in Benue State is heating up as former governor Samuel Ortom expressed confidence that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by 2027. In contrast, the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia dismissed Ortom’s assertions as a “laughable ambition,” predicting that it would take the PDP another 40 years to come close to regaining power in the state.
During a courtesy visit from the G14 group at his residence in Makurdi, Ortom urged members to work diligently to revitalize the PDP and move beyond the internal conflicts that led to the party’s defeat in the 2023 elections. The G14, comprising PDP elders from 14 local government areas, has faced internal disputes, including a recent announcement by former governor Gabriel Suswam disbanding the group due to perceived favoritism toward Ortom.
However, G14 chairman Laha Dzever countered Suswam’s statement, asserting that no one had the authority to disband the group and suggested Suswam resign if he no longer wished to be part of it.
Receiving the group, Ortom reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the G14 and emphasized that no individual could dissolve it. “As the leader of the party in the state, I will continue to support the group. Let me emphasize this: no one has the right to disband this group,” Ortom stated.
He encouraged members to remain loyal to the party and work towards welcoming back those who wish to rejoin. “Many people are eager to return to the party. Let us start a new journey, and with God on our side, we will reclaim power in 2027,” he added.
In stark contrast, Governor Alia, through his Technical Adviser on Media, Solomon Iorpev, ridiculed Ortom’s optimism, suggesting that the PDP would need 30 to 40 years to regain control of the governorship seat due to the achievements of his administration. “It’s a laughable ambition because with what the governor is doing, it will take another 30 to 40 years for the PDP to even dream about coming close to power in the state,” Iorpev stated.
He further argued that Alia’s accomplishments in governance would prevent the public from considering a divided PDP. Iorpev noted that many PDP members have defected to the APC, weakening the opposition’s standing in the state. “Who is left in the PDP to canvass for votes in 2027? What is their pedigree to make the party return to power? It’s a laughable ambition,” he maintained.
Iorpev also pointed out the severe internal crises within the PDP, highlighting that Suswam had to evict party leaders from their secretariat before Ortom intervened to provide alternative accommodation.
