Ortom Reveals Why He Switched From Peter Obi To Tinubu

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has explained his decision to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing it as a deliberate political choice he has no reason to regret.

According to Ireporter Online, Ortom stated during an appearance on Arise News that he publicly declared his intention to support Tinubu after the President assumed office and appointed his former G5 political ally, Nyesom Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The former governor recalled that he supported Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election but decided to change his political position after Tinubu emerged as President.

Ortom said his decision to support Tinubu in 2027 was based on his assessment of the political situation, insisting that he had no regrets over the position he took.

He explained that although he backed Obi in the last presidential election, the outcome of the poll had made Tinubu the country’s leader, prompting him to adopt a new political approach.

According to Ortom, his decision was guided by the belief that political realities sometimes require individuals to make strategic choices, summarising his position with the popular expression that if one cannot defeat an opponent, one may have to join forces with them.

Meanwhile, Ortom also took a swipe at the administration of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia over the political situation in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The former governor accused the Alia administration of failing to uphold the rule of law and alleged that political opponents were being targeted under the current government.

He further claimed that local government autonomy had not been effectively implemented in Benue State and alleged that no broad stakeholders’ meeting involving political leaders across party lines had been held since Alia assumed office.

Ortom also raised concerns over 23 government vehicles, alleging that the state governor had failed to comply with a court judgment directing their return.

According to him, the vehicles had been legitimately allocated to him and other former government officials at the end of their tenure, and he maintained that the court had ruled in favour of their return.

The former governor’s comments have further highlighted the growing political tension in Benue State as political figures begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.