Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has reiterated his preference for the continuation of presidential leadership from the southern region in Nigeria’s next election cycle.

Speaking in Makurdi on Thursday, Ortom declared his refusal to support any northern aspirant in the 2027 race, citing the need for the South to complete what he described as an uninterrupted eight-year tenure.

He stated that his stance remains unchanged regardless of political developments within his party.

“Till today, I, Ortom, believe in southern presidency,” he said.

He further insisted that if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intends to field a candidate, the nominee “must be from the South.”

Ortom, a senior figure within the PDP and serving member of its Board of Trustees, dismissed suggestions of aligning with a newly floated political coalition. While he ruled out formal involvement, he left open the possibility of engaging in collaborative efforts where it serves strategic interests.

“I don’t believe in coalition,” he noted, “but where there’s need for strategic partnership, you will see me there.”

He used the opportunity to assess recent policy directions under President Bola Tinubu. Ortom commended the economic steps taken by the federal administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said had freed up funds across state governments.

According to him, Tinubu had previously told officials in Benue State that no state should now claim an inability to pay workers’ salaries.

The former governor also spoke positively about tax reforms initiated under the Tinubu administration, describing them as favourable to long-term development. At the same time, he offered a sharp critique of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, saying the previous government led the nation from “top to bottom.”

Ortom’s remarks add a new dimension to internal debates within the PDP and reflect ongoing conversations about equitable power distribution ahead of the 2027 presidential election.