The governor of Benue State, Mr Samuel Ottom yesterday spoke passionately and very explosively about what transpired during the process that led to the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate of Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP.
Above all, he said that the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike was never initially interested for the Vice Presidential slot as the running mate of Atiku Abubakar, but was pressured to accept it since according him (Ortom) was needed to deliver the PDP in the presidential election.
He said, “but I tell you the truth, I support Wike to become the Vice President. In fact, we had to convince him. Some of us, we had to convince him, because he didn’t want it”, said Governor Ortom.
The Benue State governor made this disclosure on Thursday evening in the Politics Today political program on Channels Television, which was monitored by a Clariform reporter.
Speaking further he said that the Rivers State governor was preferred by 14 out of 17 PDP chieftains who were selected to advice the PDP flagbearer, Atiku on the choice of his running mate.
Ortom said that it was Atiku who requested the input of the party chieftains, otherwise they could have allowed him to choose whoever that pleased him to run with, just as he did in 2019, when he personally chose Mr Peter Obi, without deferring to the party.
The governor expressed disgust that after spending their time and resources deliberating on what is best for the party, Atiku ignored their preference and went for the governor of Delta State, Dr Okowa, who was actually the number 2 option in the other preference.
He confirmed that Governor Wike was preference number one, while Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State was in the 3rd position, therefore confirming Clariform`s earlier report on as at the time.
Speaking further Ortom said “That was why when the party set up a committee, which was initiated by the candidate himself and said that look, we should help him to advise him…17 of us we met and 14 members of that committee…said that for the party to move forward it must be Wike…but unfortunately…the decision of the vice presidency was zoned to someone else, based on the decision of the candidate himself” added the Benue State governor.
When asked on whether he will be supporting the PDP candidate in the presidential election, he reluctantly said he is now in hiding and waiting to hear from God.
“Really i want to say that I am confused about what is happening in Nigeria today. In politics generally, and for me I am into hibernation, and I pray that God will help me”, said Governor Ortom.
On whether Nyesom Wike will support Atiku or another candidate just as some of his friends are rumored to planning, he said, “Wike is on holiday, allow him to enjoy his holiday. When he comes back we can discuss it”, Governor Ortom added.
