Benue North West 2027: PDP Zone B Stakeholders Defend Eunice Ortom’s Candidacy, Hails Her as Capable

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 campaign of misinformation aimed at discrediting a collective decision of the party.

In a statement jointly signed by prominent PDP leaders across the zone, the stakeholders said they were compelled to respond to what they described as deliberate attempts by political opponents to distort the circumstances surrounding Dr. Ortom’s emergence. They maintained that the decision was reached through 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 spirit 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 followed extensive consultations among stakeholders across the senatorial district and was unanimously adopted as a way of ensuring inclusiveness within the party. The group stressed that the decision was based on collective agreement rather than personal ambition.

The stakeholders further revealed that following the zoning arrangement, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, 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 Ortom repeatedly declined requests to rejoin 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 answer what they described as an overwhelming call by the people to serve in the National Assembly. They maintained that the request was based on her personal credentials and contributions to society.

The group noted that Dr. Ortom had built a reputation for humanitarian service over the years, particularly during her tenure as First Lady of Benue State. Through the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, they said she championed programmes focused on women empowerment, healthcare, education, support for internally displaced persons, widows and other vulnerable groups.

They also highlighted her role in promoting greater inclusion of women in governance during the Ortom administration, pointing out that women occupied a significant number of local government chairmanship positions and other key appointments in government during that period.

The stakeholders argued that Dr. Ortom’s humanitarian interventions cut across political, ethnic and religious boundaries, earning her widespread goodwill among communities in Benue State.

They described her as a compassionate leader whose accessibility and commitment to service endeared her to many people.

Responding to criticisms that her candidacy amounts to a continuation of her husband’s political influence, the PDP leaders dismissed such arguments as discriminatory and unfair.

They insisted that Dr. Ortom is an accomplished individual with her own record of service, qualifications and leadership experience, and should not be judged solely by 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 in addressing insecurity and promoting modern livestock management.
According to the group, attempts to link Dr. Ortom’s candidacy to criticisms of the former governor’s administration were politically motivated and intended to undermine her growing popularity.

They insisted that the people of Zone B remain united behind her candidacy and would not be swayed 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 public to disregard what they described as malicious attacks against both Dr. Ortom and her husband, insisting that democracy should be driven by ideas, credibility and public support rather than character assassination.