By Zege Paul
The immediate past Governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, has urged members of the party to shun violence and focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ortom made the call on Monday, September 28, 2026, while interacting with PDP members at Tse-Aondona in Gwer West Local Government Area of the state, where his wife and PDP candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom, received traditional blessings ahead of the elections.
The former governor said the PDP had put its house in order by presenting credible and experienced candidates capable of seeking the mandate of the people, urging party members to take their campaigns directly to the electorate.
He assured the party faithful that the PDP leadership would remain committed to protecting the votes of its candidates, while calling on members to remain peaceful, focused and united throughout the electoral process.
Chief Ortom expressed appreciation to his in-laws from the Tyoshin extraction of Gwer West for their consistent support whenever the family sought their backing.
According to him, marriage gives a man three homes—his own home, his mother’s home and his wife’s home—adding that he remained grateful for having married from the area and would continue to appreciate the support and goodwill extended to his family.
He described his wife, Eunice, as a daughter who had adequately prepared herself for legislative responsibilities through her academic qualifications and experience, urging the people to support her aspiration to represent them at the Senate.
Speaking at the occasion, the PDP senatorial candidate for Benue North-West, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom, expressed appreciation to her parents for their continued support and solidarity. She assured them that she would not disappoint them if elected in 2027.
Also speaking, the PDP candidate for Gwer West/Gwer East Federal Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ukaa, and the member representing Gwer West State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Gyila, pledged to work tirelessly towards securing victory for the PDP in the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the PDP leader in Gwer West, Barr. Pius Gugu, the party chairman in the local government, Hon. Tersoo Dwem, and Coach Godwin Uwua welcomed Chief Samuel Ortom and his wife to the area.
They also presented members of other political parties who had joined the PDP and pledged to sustain grassroots mobilisation for the party ahead of the elections.
Speaking on behalf of Raav and Mbakpa, Elder Bernard Utim and Hon. Akaa Dennis commended Chief Ortom’s leadership and pledged to strengthen their efforts towards mobilising support for the PDP.
Offering the traditional blessings, the Tor Gwer, Chief Julius Adaga Mtom, thanked the people of Nongov extraction and Chief Ortom for finding their daughter worthy of seeking election to the Senate.
He called on the people to rally behind Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom and work collectively to secure victory.
Similarly, the Mue-Ter Mbakpa, Chief Ijir Lawrence, and Mue-Ter Raav, Chief Ormin Peter, expressed confidence in Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom, describing her as a daughter who had been tested and trusted. They pledged their full support for her senatorial aspiration.
Among those who accompanied Chief Samuel Ortom to the event were the PDP candidate for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Dr. Emmanuel Shior; leader of the PDP in Nongov extraction, Hon. Charles Torbunde; Chief Mike Adyo ; Dr. Achigh; Dr. James Anbua; Hon. Mark Achaku; Hon. Julius Achaku; PDP candidate for Agasha State constituency, Hon. Mtagher Rodney and other party leaders and stakeholders
