I supported Wike to be Atiku’s running mate – Gov Ortom - TrendyNewsReporters I supported Wike to be Atiku’s running mate – Gov Ortom - TrendyNewsReporters
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I supported Wike to be Atiku’s running mate – Gov Ortom

by Ebor Cletus Ralph Jr

Samuel Ortom, the governor of Benue State, declared on Thursday that he supports Nyesom Wike, his counterpart from River State, in his bid to represent the party as the vice presidential candidate in the general elections of 2023.

The governor revealed that Wike was chosen by a committee assembled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to choose a running mate for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, when he appeared on a Channels Television programme called Politics Today.

He added that the governor of Rivers State was chosen by 14 of the committee’s 17 members due to his admirable traits.

However, he expressed disappointment that Abubakar had chosen Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of Delta State, as his running mate without first consulting Wike.

Ortom said: “We convinced him (Wike) to be VP. He didn’t want to. 17 of us met. 14 said it should be Wike, for things to move forward in the party. So, I stood with Wike, because of the contribution he made to the party. He convinced me to return to PDP. We have to put all of that aside for the party to move forward.

“It was the prerogative of the presidential candidate, but he asked us to advise him. He could have done like he did in 2019 when he picked Obi. But he brought all of us together – former governors and Board of Trustee (BoT) members. 14 people chose someone. If we’re being Democratic 14 out of 17 is good enough to make a decision.”

The governor also advised Abubakar to reach out to Wike and placate him on his non-selection as running mate.

He added: “Wike is a human being. He fought to keep this party together. He could have been called immediately after the selection

“The choice is the right of the candidate. But moving forward, Wike should be reached.

“In politics, the majority will always have their way, the minority will have a say.”

On whether he’ll support Abubakar, Ortom quipped: “I’m confused about what is happening in Nigeria today. I’m in hibernation. I’m praying for direction.

“Atiku is the presidential candidate of the PDP. I’m a member of the PDP. What else can I do? I believe the presidential candidate and the party leadership will reach out to him (Wike)

“The party is still very intact, depending on what the party leadership does. The situation of the country requires that we bury our personal interests. PDP internal situation is a family affair.”

Since the conclusion of the PDP’s presidential primary on May 28, several influential party members have been dissatisfied with the way the party leadership handled the selection of the presidential candidate’s running mate.

The squabbling caused by Okowa’s selection as the vice presidential candidate has intensified, with some party officials calling for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairman of the party.

Ayo Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State, and Ortom, two party leaders, have also sided with Wike.

On Wednesday, Fayose had called for a transfer of authority to the South.

prelliotaglobalconcept

TV Presenter/ Content Writer

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