Former Governor of Benue State and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Samuel Ortom, has ruled out any possibility of joining the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), predicting the alliance will not stand the test of time.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television program, Ortom expressed firm confidence in the PDP, saying he and his political base remain fully committed to the party.
“People are free to join any coalition they wish, but as for me and those I lead, we remain in the PDP,” Ortom said. “I’m the leader of the PDP in Benue State and a member of the Board of Trustees. We have no business with any coalition.”
Ortom questioned the long-term viability of the ADC coalition, casting doubt on its ability to weather ongoing legal and political challenges.
“I don’t see it surviving,” he asserted. “Even if they survive litigation, they will be defeated hands down.”
His remarks come amid renewed political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Several opposition figures are reportedly exploring fresh alliances to mount a stronger challenge against the dominant APC and the established PDP.
Addressing criticism over his stance in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, Ortom defended his decision to oppose the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in favor of a southern candidate.
“How do you justify a situation where a northerner rules for eight years and is succeeded by another northerner from the same ethnic group?” he asked.
“Our democracy has not matured to that level. We believe in rotation eight years for the North, eight years for the South. That’s why we supported a southern candidate.”
He maintained that it was unacceptable for Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner who held office for eight years, to be succeeded by Atiku, another northern politician.
Ortom’s comments reflect ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as leaders weigh new strategies to challenge the political status quo.
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