Governor Samuel Ortom, on Thursday, said he and his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike will work for the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections.
Ortom, however, said that the PDP presidential flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, must pacify Wike to ensure a smooth sail for the party ahead of next year’s general elections.
The Benue governor made this pledge on Thursday during an interview on the Arise Television programme, “The Morning Show.”
Ortom in his reaction to the crises engendered in the PDP following Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s selection as running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over Wike, noted that the party leadership and the presidential candidate were still expected to reach out to Rivers State governor for a compromise.
He argued that Wike helped in sustaining the party when others defected to other political parties, adding that he must not now be treated as if he does not matter.
Ortom stressed that “the way to go is for the presidential candidate of the PDP to reach out to Wike.
“Wike was instrumental to the sustenance of the PDP. He was the anchor man. He was also instrumental in my return to the PDP the moment I decided to leave the APC when it started dancing in the wrong direction. Wike and I remain committed to the victory of the PDP at all levels. Once Wike is pacified, we can all work together for the victory of the party.”
On whether Wike and his loyalists are planning to leave the PDP, Ortom said, “Wike stood with us at the worst moments of our lives. I don’t like betraying people. When Benue was being devastated by herdsmen, Wike stood with us firmly all through and is still standing with us.”