Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom has revealed why he's supporting the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi to emerge President of Nigeria.
Recall that Ortom is one of the five governors of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, popularly known as G-5 who have refused to support the presidential candidate of their party, Atiku Abubakar.
The Benue State Governor had before now said he would have supported and campaign for Obi if he was not a member of another party.
But speaking as a guest at a townhall meeting by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Makurdi, on Thursday, Ortom said Nigerians should not base their voting in the forthcoming elections on parties, but on individuals.
The Benue State Governor noted that the two major parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had failed the nation in the address he delivered at the townhall meeting.
The Governor also appealed to Nigerians to consider issues of equity, fairness, and justice ahead of the forthcoming elections instead of partisan sentiments.
“We must live out sentiments and safe Nigeria by looking at individuals, who can lead with the fear of God, provide gainful employment for the Youth,” Ortom said.
He said Peter Obi is ahead of the other candidates contesting in the February 25 presidential election in terms of capacity.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians to give the former Anambra Governor support to unite the country and to tackle the various security challenges.
“If you make an analysis of the three front runners you will discover that Peter Obi’s quality is outstanding. Did you see any other person insulting Peter Obi? Obi will do the right thing for Nigeria.
“He will provide security and make sure we sleep with our two eyes closed. This thing is not about party. I am not in Labour Party but I am working for Peter Obi.
“You know I am also contesting election and I have others who are also contesting and for easy coordination vote for us in the party we are.
“You can imagine the highest position Ahmed Datti attained in this country. He is a senator but you can see he has two universities. He is a young man, who is sound and willing to add more values to Obi’s value when they are elected,” he said.
Obi who also spoke at the townhall assured that he would revamp the economy, provide jobs and infrastructure, as well as tackle insecurity in the country if he elected the president of the country.