BENUE State governor, Samuel Ortom, has declared support for the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi, in the forthcoming presidential election.
Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ortom believes Obi is better suited to drive Nigeria towards peace, equity, and justice.
The governor’s endorsement of Obi came shortly after the Makurdi High Court ordered the PDP not to suspend or expel him from the party.
He is part of a group of PDP governors dissatisfied with the party’s leadership and demanding the resignation of PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu due to the party’s presidential candidate being from the North.
At a town hall meeting in Makurdi on Thursday, February 16, Ortom highlighted the need to choose candidates based on their competence and ability to deliver rather than political parties.
He called for a “new Nigeria” that is equitable and just for all citizens, lamenting that political parties have let the country and people down.
The governor’s endorsement of Obi received overwhelming support from attendees across all 276 council wards in state.
Although the former Anambra State governor could not attend the event due to travel disruption, he addressed the gathering virtually, thanking the governor for his endorsement and pledging to work towards a better Nigeria.
Ortom, a two-term governor, is part of the G5 governors of the PDP, alongside Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers).
Obi has also gained support from other key figures in Nigerian politics, such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who praised his character and suitability for the Presidency.
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