Gladness Gideon
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has disclosed that his decision to oppose the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections was rooted in the party’s failure to uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.
In an interview aired Thursday on Arise Television, Ortom clarified that although he remains a card-carrying member of the PDP, he could not, in good conscience, support its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the last election.
“I went against the PDP in the last election simply because I believed the party would stand for equity, fairness, and justice — principles they unfortunately did not uphold,” he stated.
Ortom, a key figure in the G5 Governors—a group of five PDP governors who opposed Atiku’s candidacy—recounted being part of a 20-member committee constituted to recommend a suitable running mate for the PDP presidential ticket.
He revealed that 16 members, including himself, endorsed the then Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, but the party leadership ultimately disregarded the recommendation.
“Somehow, the candidate and those in leadership positions within the party decided to work against him [Wike],” Ortom said.
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He added that the G5 Governors’ agitation was not solely political but driven by a genuine desire to ensure that power shifted to southern Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year rule.
“While the G5 agenda was also about interests, our original goal was to have a southern candidate, and I’m glad that a southern candidate ultimately emerged as President,” Ortom remarked.
His remarks come as the PDP continues to grapple with internal tensions and calls for restructuring following its loss in the 2023 presidential election.
Ortom’s public criticism is likely to add to the pressure on the party’s leadership to reassess its strategies and commitment to inclusivity and internal democracy.