2023 presidency: Ortom backs Obasanjo on Peter Obi’s endorsement

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has commended former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on his endorsement of Peter Obi as the right candidate to win this year’s presidential election and provide the leadership that Nigerians desire.

Ortom’s declaration is coming amid anxieties generated by the likely presidential candidate that the G-5 governors would be endorsing for the 2023 presidency.

The G-5 governors had already ruled out the presidential candidate of their party (PDP), Waziri Atiku Abubakar., thus leaving open the options of Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

Recall also that at a recent visit of Obi to Benue, Governor Ortom had publicly referred to Obi as “my incoming president”.

Although, the -5 governors have yet to announce their decision, indications are pointing in the direction of Obi.

Also recall that Governor Nyesom Wike had said in riposte to Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi over and above his former vice-orezident, Atiku Abubakar, that the endorsement of Obi by Obasanjo spoke volumes.

Meanwhile, a statement by Terver Akase, Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to Ortom, quoted Ortom to have said that if he were not a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he would have personally led Obi’s campaign across the country.

According to the statement: “Governor Ortom strongly recommends Peter Obi to Nigerians as the man who has the capacity to effectively tackle the economic, security and other challenges facing the country.

“He is convinced that Obi possesses the qualities of a leader who will be a true President of this country by guaranteeing justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians.

“The Governor stresses that for some years, the country has been tottering on the verge of collapse, owing to leadership failure and its attendant consequences of poverty, heightened insecurity with banditry, kidnappings and other acts of terrorism threatening the very foundations of the nation.

“He says the President that Nigeria needs at this challenging time in the country’s history is one who understands the urgent need to unite the people and speedily initiate policies and actions to redirect the ship of the nation on the path of growth and development, and emphasizes that Peter Obi has all such qualities.

“Governor Ortom lauds Chief Obasanjo for once again demonstrating objectivity, truth and patriotism as a statesman whose views on national issues must be taken seriously.”