Governor Samuel Ortom’s open endorsement of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate has created deeper problems for his political soul mates, Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate and G5 leader, Nyesom Wike.
Newsmen report that Ortom endorsed Obi at a meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Makurdi putting to an end the dithering procrastination of the Benue governor over his inclination towards his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku.
While many with Atiku would want to play up Ortom’s mixed record in government, they would, however, reckon with the continued popularity of the governor who won election from the PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Even more challenging for the Atiku camp is the fact that Benue like Plateau are about the two most populous states in the North-Central and both appear to be leaning heavily towards Labour in the presidential election. It adds to the problems of the PDP candidate after the challenges he has had to contend with in the PDP strongholds of the Southeast and South-South.
What the open declaration for Obi by Ortom has done is that it has put Atiku and his agents in Benue on an uphill task with the national chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu leading the fight for Atiku.
The action of the Benue governor in especially abandoning the G5 leader, Governor Nyesom Wike has also stirred reactions on social media.
Newsmen report that Wike is believed to be aligned to the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu but has been unable to market him in Rivers State, a state dominated by the PDP but leaning towards Labour.
Martin David Ukaba @martinukaba
A typical Benue man is fearless, audacious and won’t seat on the fence playing some hide and seek diplomacy! Ortom, no matter your failings in govt., Posterity will be kind to you for being on the side of the people! We love ObiDatti! We appreciate Ortom!
Paul Bem @Paul_bem
Gov. Ortom has been addressed as “Nyamkume I Nzorov” his local clan for many years
He got the Chieftaincy Title of “Nyamkume I Tiv” few days ago. Nyamkume is translated to English as “WILD BEAST” He is a fearless man. I have my reservations about him.
Great boost for LP.
OBIDIENT SUPPORTERS (@Chuks_Eric_)Igba @Carlitopapa
Gov Ortom abandons the G5 led by court Jester Wike, endorses Peter Obi.
H I I K Y A A T O R @HiikyaaTor
While other Governors are sitting on the fence… Ortom had fully endorsed Peter Obi ( the Leading Presidential Candidate) with his full chest! Retweet massively!
#NigeriaMustBeFree#(CryBelovedCountry) @aelinwa
When you say you have integrity you show it by your words and your stand. Governor Ortom has shown that by his endorsement of Peter Obi. TALK AND DO!!
