The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, according to Governor Samuel Ortom, would not be forced to support his preferred presidential candidate.
Contrary to a widely circulated report, Ortom claimed he has not endorsed Atiku Abubakar, the candidate for his party’s presidential nomination. Ortom claimed the report was intended to embarrass the five PDP governors collectively known as the G5, “who have chosen the path of justice, fairness, and equity.”
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“When the Governor met with the expanded state caucus of PDP yesterday January 9, 2023 at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, his message to them was crystal clear that the national leadership of PDP has failed to utilize its internal conflict resolution mechanism which has led to the crisis rocking the party,” the statement read.
“The Governor said during the meeting that if the crisis is not resolved before the elections, he would be left with no other option than to take a stand on the matter.
“He (Ortom) added however that he wouldn’t impose his decision on members of the party in the state.”
The G5 has been at odds with Atiku and Iyorchia Ayu over the latter’s chairmanship for months. As a prerequisite for supporting Atiku’s ten-year ambition in the February 25 presidential election, the five unsatisfied governors want Ayu to resign so that a southerner can take his place. Ayu, however, has vowed that he won’t step down until his four-year constitutional term is over.
