Iortyom Declares Governorship Ambition with Ortom’s Support, Targets Revival of Anti-Grazing Law

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Bemgba Iortyom, has received fatherly blessings from the immediate past Governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, to contest the 2027 governorship race.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Media and Communications, Mr. Cephas Iyorhen, and issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Chief Iortyom paid a courtesy visit to the former Governor at his Abuja residence, where he traced his history of loyalty and service to the PDP dating back to the party’s formation in 1998.
The party chieftain, who was recently appointed Consultant on Media and Public Communications to the party, stated that since joining the PDP at its inception, he has remained committed without ever defecting, both in and out of power.
He recalled serving the party in several capacities, including eight years as Benue State Publicity Secretary, during which he also served as National Chairman of the PDP Forum of State Publicity Secretaries. He added that he has handled numerous national assignments for the party and currently serves as Consultant on Media and Public Communications to the Benue State chapter.
Iortyom noted that his long-standing service positions him as a qualified and suitable candidate to fly the PDP flag in the 2027 governorship election. He emphasized that his strong network within the party structure across the state would galvanize support among its large membership base for electoral victory.
He further highlighted his involvement in community development initiatives across Benue State, describing himself as experienced in attracting development opportunities to rural areas and mobilising people for collective progress.
On security, Chief Iortyom stressed that the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) remains the most effective solution to the herdsmen crisis. He pledged that, if elected Governor, he would revive enforcement of the law in a way that promotes peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists who are willing to abide by the rule of law.
He also promised to restore the economic and cultural integrity of the state by curbing capital flight, promoting human dignity, and encouraging civility and mutual respect among citizens, while fostering partnership with government.
He stated that:
“My administration will be guided by the urgent need to rescue Benue State from the prevailing order of insecurity where citizens live in fear, and where terrorists and outlaws have taken over parts of the state, subjecting the people to oppression and terror.
It is also troubling that the bonds of unity, love, and respect have been eroded, replaced by hostility and inhumanity among citizens.”
Chief Iortyom further declared that, as Governor, he would not share sovereignty with criminals, terrorists, or outlaws, stressing that his administration would focus on restoring the territorial, economic, and cultural integrity of the state.
The former PDP spokesman holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from Moses Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), and bears the traditional title of Vande-U-Mbaiwer (Rock of the Mbaiwer Kindred) in recognition of his contributions to rural community development. He is married with children.