Suswam Speaks On Relationship With Ortom, Declares Support For Atiku

A former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has debunked reports of a rift between himself and Governor Samuel Ortom.

Speaking on Friday, Suswam said he is not at loggerheads with Ortom, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Integrity Group opposed to Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition.

He stated that while he respects the governor’s decision not to support Atiku, he would back the presidential candidate of the main opposition party.

Suswam noted that he and Gov. Ortom are enjoying the best cordial relationship between a former and sitting governor anybody can think of in Nigeria today.

He said: “Atiku Abubakar is the candidate of our party, he is the one I am working with, and I strongly feel that at this point Benue should move in the same direction as other Nigerians and work with the candidate of our great party, so that we may not be left out when they begin to sing the songs of victory.

“PDP doesn’t have an internal crisis in Benue, we are all working together towards one goal, which is to win the 2023 elections from top to bottom including the presidential, governorship, senatorial, house of representatives, and state assembly.

“I and Gov. Ortom are enjoying the best cordial relationship between a former and sitting governor anybody can think of in Nigeria today, we understand each other and know exactly what we are doing, he knows where I am and I too always knows where he is at any time, so where is the misunderstanding between us?

“This lingering crisis between the G5 and the national leadership of the party will not affect our relationship in any way, and of cause when a few weeks ago I intimated Nyamkyume of my new appointment as the North Central Coordinator for the Atiku/Okowa2023 Presidential Campaign Council, he congratulated me and said I should carry on as we are all working for the interest of Benue.”