‘I Lost 2023 Senatorial Election Because I Didn’t Consult God’, Says Ortom

The immediate-past governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, has revealed that he lost the 2023 Benue North-West senatorial election because he did not consult God and seek divine approval.

Ortom, who stated this in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, when he played host to his former appointees on Sunday, said with past experience, he would consult God and seek His approval before doing anything.

The former governor stated further that he was not interested in contesting for the senatorial election but was drafted into the race.

Ortom, who also spoke on many other issues, promised that as leader of the PDP in the State, he would allow the will of the people to prevail in the choice of candidates for elective positions in the 2027 elections.

The former governor also called for sustained prayers for leaders at all levels to succeed.

“The mistake I did in 2023 was to impose a gubernatorial candidate on all of you who are in PDP. I did not ask God. We had a mock election in Vandeikya and when the result came out, he came a distant fourth. I called some people and consulted them and they told me he was a difficult market to sell politically but I pleaded with them and they didn’t know how to say no to me.

“That was how we turned the process to favour him and I did without asking God. That was a greater mistake I did,” he revealed.

Commenting on the alleged involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics, Ortom said the law prohibits such participation, warning that the consequences of such actions had previously led to crisis.

Delivering the solidarity message, former Special Adviser on Rural Development and Cooperatives, Gideon Adzer Abya, said despite the difficult circumstances under which Chief Ortom governed the state, he laid enduring foundations that strengthened institutions, restored confidence in governance, and reaffirmed the dignity of leadership in Benue State.