Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has criticised his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing his administration of failing to deliver the level of development he believes residents expected.
Ortom made the remarks while assessing the political and developmental situation in Benue State, accusing the current administration of falling short of expectations outside the state capital, Makurdi.
The former governor claimed that many Benue residents were influenced by Alia’s religious image during the 2023 governorship election.
“Benue people were deceived in 2023 by Alia’s religious toga,” Ortom said, arguing that the situation across much of the state did not reflect the expectations created during the election campaign.
He added that residents should assess the administration based on its performance rather than personal or religious affiliations.
“If you come to Benue today, nothing is happening,” the former governor said.
Ortom’s comments come amid renewed political activity in Benue as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former governor and Alia have previously belonged to opposing political camps, with political disagreements between the two administrations continuing to generate public debate.
The latest remarks also come at a sensitive time for the state, following concerns over insecurity and political tensions surrounding recent visits by opposition figures.
The criticism is expected to generate a response from supporters of Governor Alia, who have consistently defended his administration’s record and policies.