Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom says he has no regrets about publicly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027. He makes the statement in an interview on ARISE News, addressing his political choices, his stance toward Tinubu’s administration, and developments in Benue politics.

Across the reports, Ortom frames his support as a deliberate political decision following what he describes as Nigerians’ mandate in 2023. One account notes that although he supported Peter Obi in the 2023 election, he says he shifted position after Tinubu took office, using the idea of “if you can’t beat them, you join them.” Another report adds that Ortom links his renewed alignment with events including the appointment of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The outlets also report that Ortom uses the opportunity to criticize Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration ahead of 2027, alleging issues including failure to uphold rule of law, inadequate implementation of local government autonomy, and disregard for a court judgment related to government vehicles. He says voters will be able to judge Alia in the upcoming elections, while he supports Tinubu for president and backs preferred candidates for other legislative seats.