Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has stated that he will be satisfied once Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar appeases Governor Nyesom Wike.
Despite the recommendation of the PDP selection committee, Atiku chose Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate over Wike, who finished second in the PDP residential primaries.
Ortom, who stated that he and other disgruntled stakeholders would not leave the PDP, emphasized the importance of ‘discussing’ and ironing out issues with Wike during a monitored interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show.’
“One thing I want to assure you is that we will not defect to any political party,” he said. “Governor Wike, in particular, has been very instrumental in the growth of our party.” So Wike is the anchorman, and we all agreed at our London meeting that we are not leaving the party. However, due process must be followed, and everyone must be kept informed. Wike has been in Nigeria since the formation of the PDP. Because of the injustice done to me, I joined the APC; however, when the APC began dancing in the wrong direction, we rejoined the PDP.
“Wike was instrumental in bringing me back to the PDP.” Our presidential candidate left at the time because he was dissatisfied. Our National Chairman has left the PDP for another party, but Wike has remained. As a result, it plays a significant role. I’ve always believed that God has all the power.
“Some of us believed in the Southern President; he ran because we thought he was the best candidate, but he did not win, and when the issue of vice President arose, I was one of those who convinced Wike that half a loaf is better than none.”
“You wanted to be President, but God didn’t let you; there’s nothing wrong with requesting Vice President.” Unfortunately, this did not work, but I believe the party’s leadership should have done everything they could to reach out to him and pacify him because, in the end, you need everyone to be around you.” Today, we have not completed the election; it is only primaries; there is a candidate; we are still going into election; therefore, we need everyone to be carried along; however, the good thing about the PDP family is that we are still members of the PDP, and we are working together.” Fortunately, our Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has contacted me in order to persuade Governor Wike to pay him a visit. They will meet and discuss it. If that is completed, the matter is closed.”
Ortom praised Osun State Governor-elect Senator Ademola Adeleke after explaining why he did not attend the PDP Osun State Governorship Election mega rally last Thursday.
“I wasn’t there; I was traveling for a program that had been planned for more than three months,” he explained. As a result, I needed to visit the United Kingdom and the United States. But I had to travel to the United Kingdom to meet with Governor Wike. I also met with Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State. That gave us the chance to talk about what was going on in our party, the PDP, back home (Peoples Democratic Party).
“I am pleased that the people of Osun spoke; they did not just speak; they spoke on behalf of Nigerians.” I can assure you that what you witnessed in Osun will be replicated in all elections as we move forward in 2023, because Nigerians are tired of making excuses for insecurity, the economy, social life, and everything else that adds value and makes things work.”
