Benue PDP Stakeholders Back Eunice Ortom for 2027 Senate Race, Reject Criticism Zone B PDP Leaders Defend Eunice Ortom’s

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Leaders, elders, and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue North West Senatorial District (Zone B) have defended the emergence of Dr.

Mrs. Eunice Erdoo Ortom as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election, describing criticisms against her candidature as a coordinated misinformation campaign designed to undermine a collective party decision.
In a statement jointly signed by prominent PDP leaders across the zone, the stakeholders said they were compelled to address what they described as deliberate efforts by political opponents to misrepresent the circumstances surrounding Dr. Ortom’s emergence. They maintained that her selection followed broad consultations and consensus among party leaders and was not imposed by any individual or family interest.
According to the stakeholders, PDP leaders from the various local government areas in Benue North West met in Makurdi in May 2026 and resolved that, in the interest of fairness, equity, and political balancing, the Zone B Senate seat for 2027 should be ceded to the Nongov axis of Guma Local Government Area.
They explained that the resolution came after extensive consultations among stakeholders throughout the senatorial district and was unanimously adopted to promote inclusiveness within the party. The group emphasized that the decision reflected a collective agreement rather than personal ambition.
The stakeholders further disclosed that following the zoning arrangement, former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, was offered the right of first refusal for the Senate ticket in recognition of his influence within the party and his previous contest for the seat in 2023. However, they said he repeatedly declined appeals to return to the senatorial race.
Following his decision not to contest, the stakeholders said party elders, women leaders, youth groups, and loyalists appealed to the former governor to allow his wife, Dr. Eunice Ortom, to respond to what they described as an overwhelming call by the people to serve in the National Assembly. They noted that the appeal was based on her personal achievements and contributions to society.
The group stated that Dr. Ortom has established a strong record of humanitarian service over the years, particularly during her time as First Lady of Benue State. Through the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, they said she championed initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, healthcare, education, support for internally displaced persons, widows, and other vulnerable groups.
They also highlighted her role in advancing women’s inclusion in governance during the Ortom administration, noting that women occupied a significant number of local government chairmanship positions and other key government appointments during that period.
According to the stakeholders, Dr. Ortom’s humanitarian interventions transcended political, ethnic, and religious divides, earning her widespread goodwill across communities in Benue State.
They described her as a compassionate leader whose accessibility and dedication to service endeared her to many people.
Responding to criticisms that her candidacy represents a continuation of her husband’s political influence, the PDP leaders dismissed such claims as discriminatory and unfair.
They argued that Dr. Ortom is an accomplished individual with her own track record of service, qualifications, and leadership experience and should not be assessed solely through the lens of her marital relationship.
The statement also defended the record of Chief Samuel Ortom as governor, citing achievements in transparency, workers’ welfare, pension reforms, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The stakeholders pointed to the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law as one of the landmark policies of his administration, aimed at addressing insecurity and promoting modern livestock management.
According to the group, efforts to link Dr. Ortom’s candidacy to criticisms of the former governor’s administration were politically motivated and intended to diminish her growing popularity.
They insisted that the people of Zone B remain united behind her candidacy and would not be influenced by propaganda or smear campaigns.
Reaffirming their position, the PDP stakeholders said they stand firmly by the decision reached on May 16, 2026, endorsing Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 Benue North West Senatorial election.
They urged party members and the general public to disregard what they described as malicious attacks against both Dr. Ortom and her husband, stressing that democracy should be guided by ideas, credibility, and public support rather than character assassination.