“Ortom Betrayed Me” — Abounu 

Former Benue deputy governor claims ballot boxes were used to frustrate his ambition to succeed Samuel Ortom, reigniting debate over power rotation and political representation in the state.

Former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu, has accused his former principal, ex-Governor Samuel Ortom, of manipulating the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary to prevent him from emerging as the party's candidate for the 2023 governorship election.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi for the first time since leaving office in 2023, Abounu said Ortom initially supported his ambition to succeed him but later backed the then Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, who eventually emerged as the PDP's candidate.

Abounu said their relationship changed after he became the preferred candidate of a group of political leaders advocating that the governorship should shift to Benue South Senatorial District.

“I enjoyed a cordial relationship with Chief Ortom throughout our eight years in office. I was an extremely loyal deputy. The relationship changed during the period leading to the 2023 governorship election after I emerged as the preferred candidate of a group of political leaders advocating that power should shift to Benue South,” Abounu said.

Abounu Alleges Irregularities at PDP Primary

The former deputy governor said prominent political figures, including former Senate President David Mark and former Governor Gabriel Suswam, had encouraged him to contest on the grounds that it was Benue South's turn to produce the governor.

However, he alleged that the PDP governorship primary was manipulated to undermine his chances of securing the party's ticket.

“The PDP primaries later became controversial. Twenty-three ballot boxes appeared at the election and were manned by government officials to prevent votes from going in my favour. Some commissioners and Special Advisers from Benue South were among those deployed to influence the outcome,” he alleged.

Abounu described the alleged manipulation as unacceptable but said he held no personal grudge against Ortom.

His account raises fresh questions about the conduct of the party's 2022 governorship primary and the political calculations that determined the PDP's choice of candidate for the 2023 election.

Power Rotation Debate Returns to the Fore

Abounu also criticised what he described as the continued political dominance of the Tiv ethnic group in Benue State, noting that all democratically elected governors since the state's creation in 1976 have been Tiv.

He argued that the pattern had contributed to feelings of exclusion and disenchantment among people from Benue South, where calls for greater political representation have persisted.

The debate over power rotation remains a recurring issue in the state's politics, particularly regarding whether the governorship should rotate among the state's major ethnic groups and senatorial districts.

For proponents of rotation, the demand represents an opportunity to promote inclusion and ensure that different communities have a realistic opportunity to lead the state. Others maintain that electoral competition should be determined by voters and political party processes.

Abounu Returns to Private Business

The former deputy governor disclosed that he had been involved in politics since 1991 but returned to his private business after leaving office in 2023.

He advised politicians to maintain legitimate professions outside politics, stressing the importance of having an independent source of livelihood beyond public office.

Abounu also called for stronger efforts to address insecurity in Benue State, identifying security as a critical issue requiring sustained attention.

His latest comments have reopened discussion about the relationship between former political allies, the conduct of party primaries and the longstanding demand for broader political representation in Benue.

The allegations concerning the PDP primary remain Abounu's account of events. The claims should be assessed alongside any response from Ortom and other relevant stakeholders.

NewsRena will continue to follow developments surrounding the allegations and the wider debate over political inclusion in Benue State.

Source: Daily Times Nigeria