Ortom defends recent decision by himself and other PDP leaders to meet with Peter Obi

GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has justified his recent meeting with the Labour Party presidential aspirant former Anambra State governor Peter Obi saying he would receive any candidate irrespective of the person's political affiliation.

On Monday this week, several Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders met with Governor Obi heightening fears of a mass defection ahead of next year's elections. In late June, the PDP elected former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as its flagbearer for next year's presidential election at its annual convention in Abuja but his candidacy is unacceptable to many party members.

For starters, Alhaji Abubakar is a Fulani Muslim and if he wins, he will be taking over from President Muhammadu Buhari, another Fulani Muslim. To make matters worse, several party leaders, including Governor Ortom and former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang, have criticised the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the party’s vice presidential candidate.

Reacting to criticism of the meeting, Governor Ortom explained that he is open-minded about receiving any presidential candidate regardless of party affiliation. Governor Obi had met with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, former attorney-general of the federation Mohammed Adoke.

Others at the meeting include former Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Cross River State governor Donald Duke and former Gombe State governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo. Governor Ortom said he could not turn down a request to attend such meetings, explained that he did nothing wrong by attending.

Governor Ortom said: “At the end, the solution to the challenges of Nigeria is what matters. Where we are today calls for all hands to be on deck.

“I am free to receive any candidate who comes visiting or seeking audience with me. I cannot say no when such request comes.”