Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom
Eko Hot Blog reports that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has ruled out his support for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, saying he will remain on his own.
He made the statement on Tuesday at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, Benue State capital.
Ortom, a member of the PDP, accused Atiku of disrespecting him as governor.
He noted that the PDP presidential candidate did not consult him when selecting his campaign council.
“I am not in his campaign team. The people they appointed there, no consent from me,” the governor said.
“So I’ll remain on my own. But I’m waiting; when the election comes, we shall vote in the election according to [candidates’ actions].”
PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar
Meanwhile, Ortom has slammed Atiku over his comments on the recent killings by suspected herdsmen in Benue state.
The PDP presidential candidate had reportedly said he was angry with the governor for profiling Fulanis as bandits and terrorists because he is also a Fulani.
But Ortom rejected Atiku’s description, accusing him of working with Miyetti Allah, a herdsmen group with a militant arm.
“It was not correct for a presidential candidate who is seeking to rule the people to say that kind of thing,” the governor said.
“It was very wrong. And it would appear that he doesn’t even reference me and consider me to be a Governor of my state.”
Ortom is one of the PDP Governors who have refused to actively support Atiku’s 2023 presidency bid.
Others include Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
The group of governors have called for the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, saying he should be replaced with a Southerner.
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