Real reason I supported Peter Obi in 2023 presidential election- Ortom

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has disclosed that he supported Peter Obi of Labour Party and worked against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general election due to what he described as the party’s failure to uphold principles of equity and fairness.

In an interview with Arise Television on Thursday, Ortom criticized the PDP for not supporting a southern presidential candidate.

“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, said his opposition to the party’s decision was rooted in principle, which led him to back Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), during the 2023 polls.

“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,” Ortom stated.“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.“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 clarified his role as chair of the PDP committee tasked with determining the zoning of the presidential ticket. He noted that although the committee recommended throwing the ticket open, the final decision lay with the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“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 the 2027 elections, Ortom reaffirmed his commitment to backing a southern presidential candidate to ensure power rotation is balanced.

He also suggested that if the PDP again fields a northern candidate, he would consider supporting someone from a different party.

“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 said.