Ortom was elected governor of Benue State as a member of the All Progressives Congress in 2015, though later defecting to the People's Democratic Party.
He enrolled at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and obtained both the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Certificate, in 1995 and the Diploma in Journalism in 1998.
He later attended the Benue State University where he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Personnel Management in 2001 as well as a Master of Public Administration in 2004.
[13] Following the election, Jime challenged Ortom's victory and filed a petition on the grounds of substantial noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.
[15][16] The foundation also works to alleviate hardship for prison inmates, while also offering various forms of skills acquisition for better reintegration into the society.