Ortom, one of Wike’s G-5 Governors, loses Benue Senatorial election to APC

Another member of Rivers Gov. Nyesom Wike-led G-5 Governors, Benue Gov. Samuel Ortom has had his hope of going to the nation’s Upper legislative chambers — the Senate — dashed as he lost the Benue North West Senatorial election to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

APC’s Chief Titus Zam polled 143,151 votes to defeat Ortom, who got 106,882 votes, while the Labour Party candidate, Mark Gbilah, polled 51,950 votes.

A member of the G-5, Enugu Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate in Saturday’s crashed in Saturday’s election, Persecondnews recalls.

Ugwuanyi suffered a humbling and embarrassing defeat in the hands of Chief Okechukwu Ezea of Labour Party (LP), who emerged winner of Enugu North Senatorial District.

The G-5 Governors are Wike, Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State), Samuel Ortom (Benue State) and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

Persecondnews reports that Zam had defected from the ruling party in the state — the PDP to APC and secured the senatorial ticket to contest against his erstwhile boss, Ortom.

Zam was the Special Adviser to Ortom on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before he jumped ship.

So far, APC has cleared 10 of the 11 House of Representatives seats in Benue State, an indication that the state may fall to APC in the governorship and House of Assembly elections on March 11.