In a video shared by AIT News, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reflected on the political developments surrounding the 2023 presidential election and recalled events involving the then Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, saying there were political calculations taking place within the Peoples Democratic Party at the time
Wike explained that he and others within the party were aware of Ortom’s position and the political considerations that influenced his actions, particularly his concerns about the Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket, adding that the situation contributed to efforts to prevent Atiku Abubakar from receiving the level of support he expected from some party members
According to Wike, the political disagreements eventually resulted in Ortom being encouraged to support Peter Obi rather than Atiku Abubakar, with the minister presenting the development as part of the wider political dynamics that emerged within the opposition camp before the 2023 election and explaining the circumstances surrounding the decisions made at the time.
In Wike’s words: “The Governor of Benue then, Ortom, we knew what was going to happen. We knew his bias because of the Muslim/Muslim ticket. He went to block Atiku and told him to support Obi.”