Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has revealed he actively worked against the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections because the party abandoned principles of justice and fairness.
The opposition party has been grappling with internal divisions that emerged during its presidential primary in May 2022, ultimately contributing to its electoral defeat.
A major point of contention was the party’s presidential primary outcome, which some members alleged was manipulated by then-national chairman Iyorchia Ayu to favor Atiku Abubakar, a northern candidate.
This occurred despite calls from some party members for a southern presidential candidate, given that former President Muhammadu Buhari, also a northerner, was completing his eight-year tenure.
A group of five governors known as the G5 Integrity Group, led by then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, refused to support Abubakar’s candidacy. Wike, who lost to Abubakar in the primary, became a focal point of the rebellion within the party.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Ortom explained his stance. “We had thought the PDP would uphold equity, fairness, and justice. But unfortunately, they did not,” he said. “I couldn’t understand how, after eight years of a northern presidency, the party would support another northern candidate.”
Ortom, a member of the G5 governors, withdrew support for Abubakar and instead backed Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
“For us in the G5, it was about equity. We believed the presidency should go to the south. That was why I worked against the PDP in 2023,” he stated.
The former governor emphasized that his commitment to justice outweighed personal political gains. “Even if I lost my senatorial election after serving eight years as governor, it didn’t matter. I wanted it to be known that there are still people who believe in justice, equity, and fairness,” Ortom said.
He acknowledged the political realities that influenced his decision, stating, “Politics is selfish. When your interests are not protected, you look elsewhere. Yes, Wike is my friend, we worked together, and he remains my friend.”
Ortom disclosed that while he chaired the PDP zoning committee that recommended an open presidential ticket rather than zoning it to the south, he could not override the committee’s majority decision.
“I was chairman of the zoning committee, but I couldn’t override what the majority wanted. I simply reported the committee’s position to the NEC, and they chose to throw the ticket open,” he explained.
Looking ahead to 2027, Ortom vowed to support a southern presidential candidate to ensure the zone completes eight years in office. He warned that if the PDP fields a northern candidate, he may back a candidate from another party.
Reflecting on the PDP’s internal divisions, Ortom criticized Abubakar and the party leadership for failing to create an inclusive environment for Wike’s supporters.
“That’s why we went different ways. Wike supported Tinubu, and I supported Peter Obi. Others chose their own path. That’s how we ended up with the current government,” he concluded.
