Why I Lent Obi My Vehicle During Benue Visit — Ortom

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has explained the circumstances surrounding the use of his vehicle by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, during Obi’s recent visit to the state.

The development followed questions raised by the Benue State Government over a Toyota Land Cruiser reportedly registered in Ortom’s name and used to convey Obi during his visit to Makurdi.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, had questioned why Ortom, who has publicly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, would make his vehicle available to another presidential candidate.

Kula said the vehicle was traced to Ortom through Federal Road Safety Corps records and alleged that its use suggested the former governor was secretly supporting Obi.

The controversy came after Obi’s visit to Benue was disrupted by suspected thugs while he was attempting to travel to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.

Obi had planned to visit the community and sympathise with families affected by the deadly attack there in June 2025. His convoy was reportedly blocked along the Makurdi-Gboko road, forcing him to abandon the planned visit.

Ortom had earlier condemned the incident, describing the blockade as wrong and inconsistent with democratic principles. He also accused the Alia administration of being aware of the disruption, an allegation the state government has denied.

The former governor’s decision to make his vehicle available to Obi has now become another point of political disagreement in Benue as parties and politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

The vehicle was reportedly sent to the civilian wing of the Makurdi Air Force Base to receive Obi when he arrived in the state.

The development has intensified questions about Ortom’s political alignment, particularly because of his reported support for Tinubu while maintaining relationships with opposition figures.

The former governor was a member of the PDP’s G-5 governors ahead of the 2023 presidential election and previously supported Obi’s presidential bid.

The latest controversy has therefore added another dimension to the increasingly heated political contest in Benue ahead of 2027.