Former Benue State Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, has strongly refuted media reports alleging plans by party leadership to replace Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the PDP’s 2027 governorship candidate with Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
​The clarification was issued during a press conference convened at 11:00 AM on Friday at the PDP State Secretariat along Otukpo Road, Makurdi.
​Speaking on behalf of the former governor, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Terver Akase, described the reports as malicious fabrications designed by political detractors to sow division within the party ranks.
Chief Ortom reaffirmed his full backing and that of the Benue PDP leadership for Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, praising his track record, legal expertise, and dedication to the party.
The report alleging a secret plot to field Dr. Pius Akutah, who currently serves in the Federal Government as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council was categorized as baseless propaganda with no foundation in truth.
The leadership emphasized that the PDP in Benue State remains structured, unified, and focused on building a solid platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​Addressing journalists and party faithful gathered at the venue, Mr. Akase reiterated that internal democratic processes and party consensus strictly govern candidate selections in the PDP.
​”There is no iota of truth in the report claiming that His Excellency, Chief Samuel Ortom, or any leader of our party is scheming to replace Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN,” Akase stated. “Chief Aondoakaa enjoys the confidence of the leadership and the entire PDP family in Benue State. We urge party members and the public to disregard these rumors engineered by anxious opposition elements.”
​The PDP leadership urged party members across all 23 local government areas of Benue State to remain steadfast, avoid distractions, and continue mobilizing support for the party ahead of upcoming electoral engagements.
