Politics
Corruption Is In The Presidential Villa – Samuel Ortom
Benue State’s outgoing Governor, Samuel Ortom, has made a startling claim, stating that corruption exists within the Presidential Villa.
During an interview on Arise Television, Ortom accused the nation’s seat of power of orchestrating his loss in the senatorial election.
Despite the circumstances, the Governor expressed his forgiveness and willingness to move on asserting that there were concerted efforts to remove him from office, as certain individuals believed he posed a threat to their interests.
The celebration of my defeat which was orchastrated by the (Presidential) Villa showed they wanted me out at all cost. Monies were spent to stop me.
He said “People talk of corruption but corruption is in the Villa itself. I know how much was spent by the Villa on Benue to ensure that I lose electron. Yes I lost. Fine and good, God permitted it and I have accepted it. I have accepted to move on.
“They thought I was on their way but I wasn’t on their way. All I did was to ensure justice and equity for all”.
Governor Ortom vehemently criticized President Buhari’s alleged intention to relocate to Niger Republic if he faced discomfort in Nigeria after his tenure.
Ortom urged the President to dismiss any notion of leaving the country and instead encouraged him to remain in Nigeria and experience firsthand the consequences of his mismanagement and ineffective governance.
The Governor expressed his regret that the nation’s economy, which was once thriving when Buhari assumed office in 2015, has deteriorated over the course of eight years due to a lack of vision and incompetence.
He said “Buhari should not relocate to Niger Republic after leaving office. He should stay here with us. He has taken us from top to bottom. So, let him go no where. Let’s all stay here and work for the incoming administration, and by God’s grace move from bottom to top again.”
Ortom who served as Minister for Culture and Tourism under former President Goodluck Jonathan, recalled with regret that when Jonathan was in power, Nigeria was doing well in many sectors but suddenly nosedived under the watch of Buhari.
He added “I remember when some of us had the privilege of serving under President Goodluck Jonathan, we were talking Nigeria from bottom to top to a certain level, but now we are at the bottom.”
Asked what his relationship with his successor would be, Ortom said he would offer advice if his advice were solicited.
On life after power, the outgoing Governor said he would return to his farming career or take up job as a freelance journalist.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially kicked off its nationwide elections, marking the start of a major leadership renewal ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlined the timetable for the election process.
According to the statement, polling unit and ward congresses will hold on April 7, followed by local government area congresses on April 9 and state congresses on April 11.
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The exercise is part of ADC’s constitutional mandate to refresh its leadership structures across all levels, culminating in the national convention in April. Party members interested in contesting vacant positions have been urged to obtain and submit nomination or expression of interest forms via the official ADC website.
“This process forms part of the party’s constitutional responsibility to renew its leadership structures across all levels of the organisation, culminating in the national convention,” the statement said.
The party also called on members nationwide to participate actively in the congresses and to conduct themselves in accordance with ADC’s constitution, guidelines, and democratic principles.
The nationwide elections are expected to set the stage for a robust leadership team as ADC positions itself strategically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A former senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Abubakar Umar Gada, has assured members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party remains strong and united in Sokoto State despite recent defections by some political figures.
Gada gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Sokoto, where he urged party loyalists to remain calm, focused and committed to the ideals of the PDP.
According to him, political defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s democratic landscape and should not be seen as a threat to the stability and strength of the party in the state.
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The former lawmaker stressed that the PDP still enjoys a strong grassroots presence in Sokoto, noting that the party’s structure across the state remains intact and capable of delivering electoral victories.
He explained that the strength of the PDP lies in the loyalty and dedication of its members, leaders and supporters who have remained committed to the party through various political challenges.
Gada also pointed out that politics allows individuals the freedom to make personal decisions, but maintained that the PDP as an institution remains resilient and firmly rooted in the aspirations of the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the party’s national leadership has already initiated measures aimed at strengthening internal unity and consolidating party structures across the country.
According to him, consultations and reconciliation efforts are currently ongoing among key stakeholders to address emerging concerns and reinforce unity within the party.
Gada noted that such engagements are designed to ensure the PDP moves forward with renewed focus, stronger unity and a clear commitment to democratic values.
He recalled that the party has successfully navigated several political challenges in the past and has consistently emerged stronger.
The former senator therefore urged PDP members in Sokoto State to remain steadfast and avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party.
He also called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen party structures across all levels as the party prepares for future political contests.
The lingering intra-party crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has forced senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal to dump the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, disclosed this in a resignation letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward of Tambuwal Local Government Area.
The letter, which was made available to journalists on Thursday, said the decision followed consultations with his political associates and supporters.
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“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my political associates and supporters, I have decided to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect,” Tambuwal stated.
According to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, lingering disputes and leadership disagreements in the PDP made it increasingly difficult for him to remain in the party.
“The persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements and growing divisions within the party have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership,” he added.
Despite leaving the party, the senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities it gave him to serve in different capacities.
“I remain grateful to the party for the platform it provided me to serve Nigeria as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Governor of Sokoto State,” he said.
Tambuwal confirmed that he had joined the ADC alongside his political associates and supporters, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen democratic values and provide a credible political alternative.
“My decision is guided by the conviction that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness and a clear commitment to national development,” he added.
Tambuwal served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015 before emerging governor of Sokoto State in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He later defected to the PDP the same year and was re-elected governor in 2019.
After completing his second term in 2023, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate to represent Sokoto South.
His defection to the ADC is expected to alter the political dynamics in Sokoto State, where he remains one of the state’s most influential political figures.
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