Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia over his administration’s handling of governance and political affairs in the state.

Ortom made the allegations during an interview with Arise News while discussing the political situation in Benue ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The former governor accused the Alia administration of disregarding democratic principles, alleging that opponents were being targeted and stakeholders excluded from government processes.

Ortom specifically cited a dispute involving 23 official vehicles allocated to members of his former administration.

According to him, the vehicles had been approved by the State Executive Council as used assets after serving for more than four years.

He alleged that the vehicles were subsequently taken by the state government without prior notification.

Ortom said he challenged the action in court and secured a favourable judgment.

He claimed the court ordered the return of the vehicles and awarded him ₦5 million in damages.

However, the former governor alleged that the vehicles had yet to be returned despite the judgment.

He also accused Governor Alia of allegedly instructing traditional rulers against receiving him during a recent visit to his kinsmen.

Ortom said the visit was connected to discussions concerning his wife’s senatorial ambition.

The former governor further alleged that the administration had failed to convene broad stakeholder meetings since taking office.

He also questioned the extent of local government autonomy in the state, claiming council chairmen lacked sufficient independence to execute projects and properly account for their activities.

On security, Ortom recalled President Bola Tinubu’s directive following the Yelewata massacre.

He said the President had asked Governor Alia to convene former governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to discuss lasting solutions to insecurity.

According to Ortom, that meeting has yet to take place.

The former governor also said he had attempted to maintain communication with Alia after the governor’s inauguration.

He claimed he had provided handover notes and offered continued support but had been unable to reach the governor since their initial meeting.

Ortom linked the growing opposition in Benue to what he described as public dissatisfaction with the current administration.

Despite his criticism of Governor Alia, Ortom declared support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He also said he remained aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his supporters in Benue were working for the President.

At the state level, Ortom said he would support preferred candidates for various elective positions, although he did not disclose their identities.

He maintained that accountability, inclusiveness and access to government remained essential to democracy.