The Gwer/Lobi Intermediate Area of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally presented the party’s Benue North-West Senatorial candidate, Dr. Eunice Ortom, to the Jemgbagh PDP family, seeking their support and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Receiving the Gwer/Lobi delegation, the leader of the Jemgbagh PDP Forum, Chief Mike Mku, welcomed the initiative and described Jemgbagh as the home of the PDP. He assured the delegation of the readiness of the Jemgbagh PDP family to mobilise its grassroots structures and work towards the success of the party in the 2027 elections, a statement by Enoch Bemshima Ortese, Director, New Media, indicated.
Presenting the purpose of the visit, Elder Charles Torbunde, accompanied by elders and stakeholders from the Gwer/Lobi Intermediate Area, said the delegation was in Jemgbagh to formally present Dr. Eunice Ortom and seek the support of the Jemgbagh people for her senatorial ambition.
Elder Torbunde explained that the decision to support Dr. Eunice Ortom followed careful consideration of the principle of rotation within the Gwer/Lobi Intermediate Area, comprising Masev, Ihyarev and Nongov. He noted that while Masev and Ihyarev had benefited from the rotation of the senatorial seat, Nongov was yet to benefit, making the current arrangement an opportunity to advance the principle of equity and rotation.
Following the presentation, Elder Charles Torbunde, alongside other Gwer/Lobi elders, formally handed Dr. Eunice Ortom over to the Jemgbagh elders, who subsequently handed her over to the Jemgbagh party chairmen for grassroots mobilisation and engagement across the area.
The National and State Assembly members at the gathering also expressed their collective commitment to mobilising support for Dr. Eunice Ortom and other PDP candidates in the 2027 elections. They said her credentials, experience and international relationships would be valuable to the development and effective representation of the Benue North-West Senatorial District.
Hon. Akaatagh Apande, Hon. Ortese Gbegi and Dr. Laha Dzever, who spoke on behalf of Tarkaa, Gboko and Buruku respectively, expressed support for the initiative and the candidature of Dr. Eunice Ortom, pledging their solidarity with the candidate and the PDP.
The speakers said they were proud to identify with the PDP, particularly because of what they described as the cordial relationship and support extended to the Jemgbagh people by the Ortom family during the period Chief Samuel Ortom served as Governor of Benue State.
They also highlighted Dr. Eunice Ortom’s record as First Lady, particularly her empowerment programmes, humanitarian interventions and support for vulnerable people through community development initiatives. According to them, these engagements have given her practical knowledge of the needs and aspirations of communities across Zone B, which they said would be valuable in her proposed representation at the National Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of her husband, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, member representng Gbemacha State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs. Kundumiyol Dajoh expressed particular pride in the Gwer/Lobi Intermediate Area for entrusting a woman with what she described as such an important responsibility.
Mrs. Dajoh emphasised the significant role women play in the election of leaders and in supporting those entrusted with leadership responsibilities. She noted that women are not only instrumental in mobilising support for leaders but also play an important role in managing and strengthening the leadership entrusted to their men.
She expressed confidence in Dr. Eunice Ortom, saying that from her leadership credentials and record of service, she believed the PDP candidate would raise the bar beyond what had previously been achieved by men who occupied similar positions.
Speaking at the gathering, the leader of the PDP in Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, appreciated the Jemgbagh PDP family for remaining steadfast in their commitment to the party. He said their continued dedication and loyalty to the PDP gave him encouragement and strengthened his optimism about the party’s return to power.
Chief Ortom urged the party faithful to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly, advising them to avoid insults and personal attacks and instead focus their campaigns on issues, policies and the interests of the people.
Responding, Dr. Eunice Ortom expressed appreciation to the Jemgbagh PDP family for receiving her and accepting to mobilise in support of her candidature and that of other PDP candidates across the state.
She described the confidence and honour given to her by the party and the people as a great responsibility, noting that the little contributions she had made to the lives of individuals and communities had culminated in the confidence now being reposed in her.
Dr. Eunice Ortom assured the Jemgbagh PDP family and the entire people of Zone B that she would not disappoint them if elected. She promised to deploy her wealth of experience, exposure and relationships towards advancing the interests of the senatorial district and ensuring that Zone B receives purposeful representation at the National Assembly.
