Why G-5 Govs can't join Atiku campaign, by Ortom

• Published date: 19 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Governors in the G-5 group cannot join the campaign of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar because the leadership of the PDP has made reconciliation impossible.

Benue Governor Samuel Ortom who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday accused the PDP leadership of arrogance, impunity and mischief in the handling of the rift between Atiku and the G-5.

The G-5, consisting five PDP Governors, is led by the Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike. Other Governors in the group are Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Ortom.

The Governors have demanded the replacement of the PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu with another person from the South as condition to support Atiku.

Ortom, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja, said: 'So, no efforts by the leadership of our party have been able to address the issues that we are raising. They have not been able to adopt methods that will pacify and placate the G5, you know. This is not right. So, on the G5, that is where we are.

'Arrogance, impunity, mischief, will not really help matters. One would expect humility; it is said that you stoop down to conquer even if you want to make it.'

The Benue Governor expressed disappointment with some PDP leaders in the South who chickened out on the demand for power shift to the South.

'I must say that I am disappointed with some of our PDP southern governors who chickened out, who sold out and chose to do...