PDP crisis: Wike has been treated unjustly, says Ortom

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, says his Rivers counterpart, Nyesom Wike, has been unfairly treated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Ortom spoke on Monday at a PDP caucus meeting in Makurdi, the Benue capital.

Wike had contested the PDP presidential primary in May, but lost to Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president.

Shortly before voting at the primary was scheduled to start, Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto, made a last-minute withdrawal from the race and asked his supporters to vote for Abubakar.

Hours after the election, Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the PDP, visited Tambuwal and described him as the “hero of the convention”.

The Rivers governor also lost the PDP vice-presidential ticket after Abubakar picked Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta, overlooking Wike who was recommended by a panel comprising governors and national working committee (NWC) members. 

The developments have resulted in a crisis, with party members, especially supporters of Wike, demanding the resignation of Ayu. 

However, while the national chairman has dismissed the calls for his resignation, Abubakar had said the only way to remove Ayu is by an amendment to the party’s constitution.

Addressing party stakeholders on Monday, Ortom said justice should be served.

“The idea of dismissing people in politics that they do not matter is dangerous because a single vote counts in politics,” Ortom said. 

“Injustice has been meted to governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, and it must be addressed. Justice must be served to him.

“Wike stood and supported the party and he should be given due attention.”