By Amos Aar, Makurdi
GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has revealed that stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have resolved to work towards adopting a consensus candidate to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 governorship election in Benue State.
Governor Ortom stated this at a news briefing with journalists at the end of a meeting of the State Working Committee of the PDP and the party’s 21 governorship aspirants on Monday, July 12, 2021 at the New Banquet Hall of Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
The governor, who said the State Working Committee and all stakeholders have agreed to work together for a common purpose, however, stressed that if the consensus formula fails, free and fair primaries would be conducted to nominate a candidate for the Number One position. He said the party would do everything possible to consolidate on the gains already made in the past to record success in the 2023 elections.
He stated that based on his interaction with the aspirants, all of them are competent and qualified to serve the State as Governor, pointing out however that only one person would be nominated to fly the party’s flag in the election. He assured that he and the State Working Committee of the PDP would remain neutral in the process that would lead to nomination of a governorship candidate.
The party’s aspirants juggling for the 2023 primaries include; Engr. Benson Abounu, the deputy Governor; Hon. Titus Uba, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly; Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Terkaa Ucha; Prof. Dennis Ityavyar; Dr Paul Ubwa; Engineer Ben Akaaka; Engineer Tertsea Gbishe; Engr. Dondu Ahire; and Mr Terver Akase.
Others are Mr Julius Atorough; Hon. Dominic Akaahan; Hon. Adikpo Agbatse; Isaiah Ipevnor; Dr. Paul Angya; Engineer Terver Atsar; Pharmacist Peter Chieshe; Hon. Patrick Ogbu; Hon Christopher Afaor; Mr. Boniface Jibo and Barrister Chille Igbawua, while Dr. Robert Orya and Dominic Akaahan were absent but sent apologies.
According to the governor, more Aspirants are likely to join the race on the PDP platform as time goes on and the party will welcome them.
The aspirants later held a closed door meeting where they chose Barrister Chile Igbawua as Chairman of the PDP Governorship Aspirants Forum, Patrick Ogbu as Secretary while Mr. Julius Atorough is treasurer.
Barrister Igbawua, a former member of the House of Representatives, representing Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency, assured that there will be no division in the party as a result of the arrangement and that individual interest will not override that of the PDP.
On his part, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Uba, the consensus candidate’s plan was a step in the right direction as he is optimistic that it will ensure the party’s victory in 2023.
