Samuel Ortom Atiku rejection stance reaffirmed as he declares no regret backing Tinubu in 2023, insisting he acted in the best interest of his people and party
Samuel Ortom Atiku rejection during the 2023 presidential election was no mistake, according to the immediate past Governor of Benue State.
Also read: Top North-Central Politician: Samuel Ortom
Appearing on Politics Today on Channels Television, Ortom stated clearly, “I did not hide it. I have no regret.”
He was one of the G5 governors in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who opposed Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, instead throwing their support behind Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
Ortom dismissed any suggestion of betrayal. “Which betrayal? Pursuing my interest and the interest of my people? The interest of my people is that you provide what they want.”
He further explained, “Politics is a game of interest, and if I have somebody working against my interest and the interest of my people, I have to fight back.”
Citing regional balance, Ortom questioned why another northerner should succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. To him, it was politically unreasonable for Atiku to follow Buhari’s eight-year presidency.
Despite opposition shifts and a recent coalition launched under the African Democratic Congress by figures like David Mark and Gabriel Suswam, Ortom remains committed to PDP.
“People are free to join any coalition that they so wish, but for me, and the people that I lead, we remain in PDP,” he said. “I’m the leader of PDP in Benue State and a member of the BoT.”
Also read: Wike Leads Fayose, Ortom, Ikpeazu to Tinubu as Ex-governors Rally Behind Minister
His stance has sparked debate, but Ortom appears resolute in his convictions and alignment with the political direction of his constituents.
