Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has declared he will not support any northern candidate in Nigeria's 2027 presidential election, emphasizing his commitment to the country's unwritten power rotation agreement between the North and South.

Speaking in a recent interview with journalists, Ortom stated he would rather back a southern candidate from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), or any other political party, maintaining that the gentleman agreement of eight-year tenures for each region should be respected.

"The unwritten agreement that the North will do eight years, the South will do eight years, so today, as I'm talking to you, I believe in southern presidency," Ortom said. "Let's say my party wants to produce a president, let them produce someone from the South."

The former governor recalled his stance during the 2023 elections, saying, "I did it in 2023, because I said that it's better for me to lose my senatorial election than to allow a northerner to be president. It was wrong, because we must work together in unity, in diversity and the common thing, we have agreed North eight years South eight years."

Ortom emphasized that the South has not completed its eight-year cycle, which forms the basis of his position. "The South have not completed eight years. So maybe South produce the next president in 2027 if it is within my party, well, if I have a credible person who have the capacity to deliver and to add value and make things work for our country, we'll support the person," he stated.

He further clarified that his support would extend to any southern candidate with the right credentials, regardless of party affiliation. "But if not whoever, from any other party, not just APC, but from any other party, who produces a candidate in the South, we should support that candidate. Me, I'm not supporting any candidate from the North," he declared.

In the same interview, Ortom called for support for President Bola Tinubu's administration, acknowledging the president's efforts amid national challenges. "In the land of the blind, a man with one eye is the king. So we currently have a president, and I think in the midst of the challenges we have in our country, he's doing his best," he remarked.

The former governor praised Tinubu's accessibility and willingness to listen, noting, "We can support him, he listens to even common people like us. If I seek appointment with him, he's ready to listen to me."

Ortom also highlighted the need for continued reforms in areas such as fuel subsidy and taxation to rebrand the country and improve governance.

Stay updated with the latest political developments by following BenriNews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.