The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has stated that his loss in the 2023 election was due to his failure to consult God.
He made this revelation on Tuesday in Makurdi during a courtesy visit from the G-14 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a group of elders representing the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas in Benue.
In his address to the group, Ortom mentioned that God instructed him not to run for any election in 2027, a directive he felt he must honor.
Ortom expressed the PDP’s commitment to reclaiming the Benue Government House in 2027, noting that he lost his senatorial bid in 2023 because he did not seek divine guidance.
“I’m not contesting the 2027 election. I understand why I lost in 2023. I didn’t consult God. My people bought the forms for me, and I accepted them without seeking God’s direction,” he said. “God has revealed everything to me and has asked me to wait for Him.”
He also shared that during his tenure as governor, he made significant sacrifices, including distancing himself from family and friends to focus on state matters.
The former governor pledged to continue supporting the party, emphasizing that individual ambitions should never overshadow the party’s interests. He mentioned that after leaving office, he intended to take a sabbatical, but the elders advised against it.