“I Lost the 2023 Election Because I Didn’t Consult God” – Ortom

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has attributed his loss in the 2023 senatorial election to his failure to seek divine guidance. Ortom made this remark on Tuesday during a courtesy visit from the G-14 members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Makurdi, the state capital. The G-14 group comprises party elders from the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas in Benue State.

Ortom, who was the PDP candidate in the 2023 election, was defeated by Titus Zam, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. Reflecting on his loss, Ortom stated that he had accepted the nomination without first consulting God.

“I knew why I lost the election in 2023. I didn’t consult God. My people purchased the forms for me, and I accepted them without consulting God,” Ortom said, as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He further revealed that God has since directed him not to run for office in the 2027 elections, a decision he says he will fully respect.

Ortom also recounted the personal sacrifices he made during his tenure as governor, including distancing himself from his family and friends to focus on state matters. Despite his loss, Ortom promised to continue supporting the PDP and emphasized that no individual’s ambition should override the party’s collective interest.

The former governor had initially planned to take a break from politics after leaving office, but party elders opposed the idea. Ortom also confirmed that the PDP national secretariat has approved the upcoming October 3 ward and local government congresses in Benue State.