When specifically asked if as a party man he would support Atiku in the coming election, Ortom said: “I am praying. But for now, I have gone into hibernation”
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has signalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, may not enjoy his support ahead of the 2023 presidential election, unless God decides otherwise.
Ortom made the revelation today, June 29, during the Arise TV breakfast programme, The Morning Show.
Ortom had during the PDP presidential primary supported Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike for the presidential ticket of the party. Wike finished second, and was thought to be more fitted to become Atiku’s running mate given his showing during the presidential primary. But Atiku picked Okowa over Wike.
Ortom said he was disappointed that Atiku did not choose Wike as his running mate even after 14 out of the 17 committee members Atiku appointed to help him decide a running mate preferred Wike.
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He said Atiku has also not reached out to Wike personally and other critical stakeholders, including himself to solicit for their support after the fallout in the choice of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
When told that Atiku has made an effort to reach Wike on phone but that Wike wasn’t picking, Ortom fumed and said it was disrespectful to be making phone calls without going to see Wike personally.
When specifically asked if as a party man he would support Atiku in the coming election, he said: “I am praying. But for now, I have gone into hibernation. If God directs me that I should support him, why should I not. But I expect him (Atiku) to reach out to Wike first and the rest of us. For me, I have gone into hibernation and am waiting for God. Whatever he directs me to do, I will do.”