Benue state Governor Samuel Ortom stated that it would be only right for a Southerner in 2023 to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ortom, speaking at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, during the flag-off of state-level campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Ortom said that he was the first governor from the North to support the Southern Presidency, which he stated is in the interests of justice and fairness.

He said;

“Nigerians, for the sake of equity, fairness, and justice, expect that after eight years of President Buhari, the next President should go to the south irrespective of political affiliation and that is the right thing to do. We are Nigerians and we must ensure that all of our work together.”

Ortom also said that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State was the right candidate to succeed Buhari but “enemies of progress” ensured he didn’t win the party’s presidential primary in May.

The Benue state Governor also added that the same enemies of progress denied Wike the running mate ticket to PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. He further the party’s supporters in the state to work with him and ensure victory for all PDP National Assembly, State Assembly, and Governorship candidates in Rivers.

Ortom said;

“Your son from Rivers State contested and it was said that he lost but someone of us believed that he was the right person to unite, bring us together and ensure justice, fairness, and equity for Nigerians.”