The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has declared support for the Labour Party (LP), flagbearer, Peter Obi, ahead of the February 25 presidential election.
Ortom made the declaration at the Town Hall meeting addressed by the LP presidential candidate in Makurdi on Thursday.
Obi was billed to be present at the townhall meeting attended by stakeholders across the 276 councils wards of Benue state organised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in support of Obi-Datti presidential ambition.
It was learnt that bad weather prevented his plane from flying and ensured he could not physically attend the event.
However, Ortom attended the meeting at Royal Choice Inn, Makurdi and extolled the LP candidate’s virtues.
The Herald can report that videos circulated on social media showing the attendees vigorously chanting Obi’s name as the Benue governor spoke.
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Ortom said his decision to support Obi stemmed from his conviction that the former Anambra governor was mentally and physically prepared for the task of setting the nation on the path of recovery.
According to him, Obi is among the top three contenders for the presidency and an outstanding candidate who will be able to root out insecurity and unite the country.
The governor, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said it was high time Nigerians jettisoned political affiliation and stood for a competent candidate with good antecedents.
“We have come to a time where we must leave out sentiments and save Nigeria by looking at individuals who can lead with the fear of God and provide gainful employment for the youths.
“We must, in this 2023, fashion a new Nigeria, Nigeria that will give the people equity, fairness, and justice.
“The PDP has failed Nigerians, APC has failed Nigerians, political parties have failed Nigerians, even Labour Party has failed Nigerians. We must therefore look at individuals, those people who can deliver.
“So, this is not about party, I am not in Labour Party but I am working for Peter Obi. Peter Obi will make sure that we sleep with our two eyes closed. These unnecessary killings that are going on in our country will stop.
“I have chosen to support him. I appreciate you all for choosing Peter Obi. Of the three presidential candidates, Peter Obi has the character, competence to lead Nigeria,” Ortom said.