Governor Ortom’s Post-Office Journey and Nigeria’s Political Future

Samuel Ortom: Coalition Dreams, Benue’s Wounds, and the Road to 2027

In a candid interview on “Politics Today”, a Channels Television News and Current Affairs Programme, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, opened up about his post-office engagements and shared his thoughts on the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of Nigeria’s emerging opposition parties. His Excellency, Samuel Ortom’s message from the interview could be termed “sobering” yet strategic to Nigerians:

Life After Office: Otom’s Reinvention Beyond Politics

Since leaving office, Otom has embraced a quieter but purposeful role in advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement. He’s continued speaking out on issues affecting rural communities in Benue and beyond, especially those concerning security, agricultural development, and youth unemployment. His pivot away from traditional governance to grassroots activism underscores a deeper commitment to long-term impact outside the corridors of power.

“Service to the people doesn’t end with a title,” he said, highlighting that leadership is a lifelong responsibility.

The ADC Party: Potential Disruptor or Political Mirage?

Otom’s commentary on the ADC was both measured and realistic. He acknowledged the party’s promise as a third-force alternative in Nigeria’s political theatre. However, he also raised concerns about its visibility, organizational depth, and ability to mobilize beyond urban youth and civil society groups.

While praising the ADC’s ideological foundations, centered around transparency, digital engagement, and inclusivity, Otom urged it to build stronger coalitions, expand its grassroots base, and confront the institutional rigidity of Nigerian politics if it hopes to compete meaningfully in future elections.

What Was Missing: Perspectives Not Addressed in the Interview

While Otom’s reflections were insightful, several perspectives were notably absent. In other words, the interview skirted several tough yet important questions:

• The gender gap in political representation wasn’t addressed, despite its growing visibility.
• Otom avoided scrutiny over unresolved controversies from his time in office, especially regarding resource allocation and crisis management.
• As a key figure from a conflict-prone region, Otom could have explored how leadership can bridge ethnic divides and foster national cohesion.
• On ADC’s Policy Blueprint, he critiqued the party’s visibility but didn’t delve into its policy alternatives to the dominant parties, especially on education, climate, and job creation.
• No mention of the rise of digital-first youth advocacy and electoral participation, which has shifted Nigeria’s democratic dynamics.

• Why didn’t Ortom lead a national summit on regional security?
• Did his fiery speeches exacerbate tensions?
• Does he regret certain political alliances that weakened the opposition?

Enriching the Conversation: Appropriate Responses to the Missing Views

To build a more robust political dialogue, future interviews should incorporate these areas:

Youth Inclusion

• Host digital roundtables to understand youth concerns.
• Collaborate with Gen Z platforms to shape party manifestos.

Empower Women Politically

• Advocate quota-based representation across parties.
• Fund female-focused leadership academies.

Accountability and Legacy

• Open post-office performance audits to the public.
• Launch "Legacy Dialogues" where leaders address past decisions transparently.

Pan-Nigerian Unity

• Promote inter-regional initiatives (e.g. cultural exchanges, peace summits).
• Support conflict resolution centers in ethnically divided areas.

Policy Depth for ADC

• Release a simplified version of the ADC's policy plan.
• Host policy hackathons to crowdsource ideas from civil society and academics.

Here are some of Samuel Ortom’s most striking quotes from the interview and reactions that followed:

Notable Quotes from Ortom

·       On opposition unity: “If we must succeed in 2027, it cannot be done in isolation. There must be a coalition, and not just a theoretical one, but a real pact that Nigerians can believe in.”

·       On insecurity in Benue: “Benue people have been crying for help for years. What is happening is beyond neglect, it is abandonment.”

·       On his administration: “I didn’t have all the resources I needed, but I made sure that education and agriculture never took a backseat.”

Public & Analyst Reactions

·       Political commentators noted Ortom’s frankness, especially regarding party divisions and coalition-building. Many agreed that opposition unity could reshape the 2027 race but doubted whether the political will exists.

·       Security experts backed his criticism of federal handling of violence in Benue, echoing that the region requires sustained federal attention—not just military patrols.

·       Citizens' reactions on social media ranged from praise for his honesty to skepticism about the opposition’s ability to unify before the next election.

While some critics find the one-term idea politically risky, others hail it as a bold trust-building move. Political analysts believe such a pledge could temper internal party rivalries and widen the coalition’s appeal.

Security experts echoed his frustration, noting that while military deployments occurred, they lacked strategic continuity and genuine federal commitment.

Some say his vocal rhetoric on national issues didn’t always translate to effective local policies.

Others argue he aligned politically with controversial figures, weakening his credibility and muddying his leadership narrative.

Social media responses to the interview ranged from admiration for his candor to skepticism about the practicality of his coalition blueprint.

Imagining Ortom vs. Tinubu

In a hypothetical face-to-face with President Tinubu, Ortom might ask:

• “Mr. President, do you truly believe opposition voices are being heard and respected?”
• “What specific steps has your administration taken to prevent rural violence beyond military patrols?”
• “Can Nigeria ever move forward without state policing and regional autonomy?”

Well, at this juncture, the tension would be thick, but the dialogue could be transformative.

Last Lines

Otom’s voice remains influential in shaping Nigeria’s democratic discourse. As newer parties like the ADC challenge entrenched structures, leaders must rise above personality politics and engage inclusively, transparently, and boldly. Bridging the gaps in the current conversation isn’t just a matter of nuance, it’s a step towards rebuilding trust in governance.