Allegations of Secret Political Alignment
Hyacinth Alia, the current Governor of Benue State, has made public allegations regarding the political affiliations of his predecessor, Samuel Ortom. According to statements released by the governor's office, Alia claims that Ortom is secretly working to ensure the victory of Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The Governor’s office asserted that this secret alignment contradicts public statements made by Ortom, which have suggested support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. Alia characterized these public claims as misleading, positing that Ortom’s actual efforts are directed toward Obi’s campaign rather than the incumbent president’s.
These allegations were communicated to the press through Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula. The statements were delivered at the government house in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. Kula served as the primary spokesperson for the governor during this disclosure, relaying the specific details of the alleged covert activities.
Evidence Cited: Vehicle Use During Attack
To substantiate the claim that Ortom is supporting Obi, the Chief Press Secretary pointed to a specific incident involving the former Anambra State Governor. Kula stated that Ortom used his personal SUV to rescue Peter Obi after Obi was attacked by suspected thugs during a visit to Benue last week.
According to the report, the attack occurred while Obi was in Benue State. The allegation specifies that Ortom "swiftly brought his SUV" to the scene to convey Obi away from the location of the assault. This action is presented by Alia’s office as evidence of a protective and supportive relationship between the two men, distinct from any public political alliances.
The timeline provided places this incident in the week preceding the September 11, 2026, publication of the allegations. The description of the event identifies the perpetrators only as "suspected thugs," without further identification or official police reports being cited in the governor's statements.
Political Alliances and Electoral Strategy
Beyond the allegations regarding Peter Obi, Governor Alia addressed other political dynamics within the state. He stated that an alliance formed between Ortom and former Attorney General Michael Kaase Aondoakaa is futile in its attempt to unseat him in the 2027 elections.
Alia’s comments suggest a broader strategic concern regarding opposition coordination. The Governor urged voters to reject the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), linking the actions of Ortom and Aondoakaa to the party’s electoral prospects. This statement positions the current administration as opposing the PDP’s efforts in Benue State.
Implications for the 2027 Electoral Cycle
The allegations place Benue State, a traditional stronghold for the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the center of political speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections. By asserting that a former governor is working against the ruling party’s candidate, Alia’s office has introduced a narrative of internal division within the opposition or covert support for the NDC.
The claim that Ortom is "not working for Tinubu" directly challenges the public posture of former officials who have expressed support for the current administration. If the allegations are accurate, it would indicate a divergence between public political declarations and private actions by key political figures in neighboring Anambra State.
No response from Samuel Ortom or Peter Obi was included in the initial reports from the government house. The information remains attributed solely to Governor Alia and his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula. The status of the investigation into the attack on Obi by suspected thugs was not detailed in the governor’s statements.