Ortom Justifies Support for Tinubu Over Atiku, Rules Out Joining Opposition Coalition
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has reiterated his unapologetic support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, stating that his decision to back a southern candidate over his party’s nominee, Atiku Abubakar, was based on equity and the collective interest of his people.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ortom dismissed accusations of betrayal within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that his allegiance lies with principles of fairness and regional balance rather than party lines.
“I don’t regret supporting Tinubu. Politics is driven by interest personal and collective. If someone works against my people’s interest, I must resist it,” he said.
Ortom was a prominent member of the G5 a group of five PDP governors who rejected Atiku’s candidacy on the grounds that power should shift to the South after eight years of northern leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari. The group championed the cause of equity, fairness, and justice, calling for adherence to Nigeria’s zoning understanding, though not legally binding.
“How do you explain another northern president, from the same region, taking over immediately after Buhari?” Ortom asked. “Our democracy is not yet mature enough for that kind of imbalance.”
Addressing the emergence of an opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following Atiku’s withdrawal from PDP activities, Ortom clarified that he has no plans to exit the PDP or align with any new bloc.
“I remain in the PDP. I lead the party in Benue and sit on its Board of Trustees. We have no business with any coalition I don’t even see it surviving,” he stated.
He further dismissed the coalition’s potential, asserting that even if it endures ongoing legal battles, “they will be defeated hands down.”
Ortom’s comments reflect ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s major opposition party as it navigates internal realignments following its 2023 electoral defeat.
