The chances of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s candidate, Alh Atiku Abubakar winning the 2023 presidential election is getting slimmer by the day as a major stakeholder in the party and governor of Benue state, Mr. Samuel Ortom has withdrew his support for the former Vice President’s ambition accusing him of insensitivity.
Mr Ortom accused the PDP candidate of betraying him as Governor and acting against Benue residents’ interests.
His remarks came after Minda Leaders of Thoughts, a group of Benue elder statesmen, withdrew their support for Atiku over alleged hate speech and profiling of Benue people.
He accused Atiku of working with Miyetti Allah, a herdsmen group with a militant group.
“It was not correct for a presidential candidate who is seeking to rule the people to say that kind of thing,” Mr Ortom said on Tuesday at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi.
“It was very wrong. And it would appear that he doesn’t even reference me and consider me to be a Governor of my state.”
Also, Mr Ortom said Mr Atiku had sidelined him in selecting his presidential campaign team.
“I am not in his campaign team,” Ortom said.
“The people they appointed there, no consent from me. So I’ll remain on my own. But I’m waiting; when the election comes, we shall vote the election according to the election.”
Mr Ortom is one of several PDP Governors who have decided not to actively support Atiku’s 2023 presidency bid.
Others include Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
Apparently led by Mr Wike, the group of Governors have called for the replacement of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, with a Southerner.
They claim Ayu, a northerner, promised to resign if the PDP ticket goes to a northerner.
However, Mr Ayu has indicated he will not step down, at least until after the elections in February.