We Remain On Our Stand – PDP G5 Governors

By Ayodele Oni

The aggrieved five Governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) tagged G5 Governors have clarified that they have not shifted on their stand to correct the inbalance in the party, which culminated in their opposition to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the party.

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom who spoke on behalf of his colleagues in the G-5, denied a media report claiming that they have resolved to work for the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to win the 2023 election.

In a statement, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Ortom, Terver Akase, said the report was not only false, but also mischievous, as it was targeted at embarrassing the five Governors who had chosen the path of justice, fairness and equity.

He said manufacturers of the said report were apparently on a desperate mission to score a cheap political point.

“The report could not mention the place and date of the said meeting of G-5 Governors. The writers only sought to take advantage of the crisis within the PDP for their selfish purposes.

“Governor Ortom and other members of the G-5 have not endorsed the said presidential candidate.

“When the Governor met with the expanded state caucus of PDP yesterday, January 9, 2023 at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, his message to them was crystal clear that the national leadership of PDP has failed to utilize its internal conflict resolution mechanism which has led to the crisis rocking the party.

“The Governor said during the meeting that if the crisis is not resolved before the elections, he would be left with no other option than to take a stand on the matter.

“He added however that he wouldn’t impose his decision on members of the party in the state.

“Stakeholders present at the meeting commended the Governor for his patriotic disposition and pledged to line up behind him.

Those who spoke on behalf of the Stakeholders as well as for women and youths, said Governor Ortom has shown the character of a dependable leader who puts the interest of his people first.

“The stakeholders pledged to find ways of resolving the internal crisis rocking the party while assuring the Governor that they would continue to stand with him through thick and thin.”

Terver Akase said Governor Ortom did not address the press after the meeting, adding that the online report was therefore fake and should be disregarded.