2023 Presidency: What Atiku Told Me About Wike – Gov Ortom

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom said that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has reached out to him, asking that he (Ortom) should pacify Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike to address their differences.

Naija News understands that Governor Wike and other PDP chieftains were offended by some events that unfolded in the party following the conduction of their national convention and presidential primaries weeks ago.

Wike particularly is believed to be aggrieved with Atiku and PDP’s leadership over the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the party’s presidential running mate.

Reports claimed Atiku had ignored the recommendation of a committee he set up to pick his running mate. The committee was said to have picked the Rivers helmsman, who came second during the party’s presidential primaries, but Atiku opted for Okowa.

Due to the development, some of the aggrieved members had reportedly threatened defection.

Speaking, however, on what seems to be a major crack in the opposition party ahead of the 2023 elections, Ortom told newsmen on Thursday (today) that all aggrieved members have resolved to remain with the party.

Ortom said he met with the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and others over the differences in the party ahead of the 2023 general elections and that they are all in for PDP.

He explained that Atiku reached out to him personally to pacify Governor Wike over the issues.

Ortom expressed optimism that Wike would be pacified and work with Atiku towards ensuring the party returns to power in 2023.

Naija News understands that the Benue State Governor made the disclosure while appearing live on Arise TV on Thursday.

Ortom recounted how Wike stood by him when Benue State was under siege by Fulani herders.

He said: “Efforts are on to resolve the crisis in the party. Our presidential candidate has reached out to me to pacify Wike. Wike stood with me at my worst time when my state was under siege.

“I believe working with Wike will help get a better result. Once Wike is pacified, I will also be pacified. The issue is not about our personal interests but about Nigeria.

“You will agree that Nigeria is under siege by a cabal that wants to enslave everybody.

“We have been brought from top to bottom; we need everybody to come together to see how we can rescue our country.”