2023: Wike was meant to take over from Buhari but his enemies stopped him – Ortom

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has insisted that it is right for the next president of Nigeria to come from the South.

Speaking at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium during the inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Party campaign in Port Harcourt, Ortom noted that he was the first governor from the North to back a southern presidency.

He said, “Nigerians, for the sake of equity, fairness and justice, expect that after eight years of President Buhari, the next President should go to the south irrespective of political affiliation and that is the right thing to do. We are Nigerians and we must ensure that all of us work together.”

Ortom opined that his counterpart in Rivers state, Nyesom Wike was supposed to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari but his mandate was usurped from him.

Addressing a large crowd of PDP supporters in Rivers, Ortom said, “Your son from Rivers State contested and it was said that he lost but someone of us believed that he was the right person to unite, bring us together and ensure justice, fairness and equity for Nigerians.

“I want Rivers State people to work with our governor, Governor Nyesom Wike, and at the end of the day, just like the G5, we will decide what we are going to do because Nigeria today is in turmoil and it is only when we do the best that can help us out of our challenges – security, economy, social life – and help us retain our image.”

The event was attended by Ortom and other members of the PDP G5 – Governor Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).