Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has said that Nigeria is witnessing its worst level of disunity since independence under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an interview with journalists at Makurdi Airport, following his return from Abuja where he attended an expanded meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, Ortom said the country had never been so divided.
“They (APC) have shown that they are not a government that believes in protecting the life and property of Nigerians. Nepotism is at its highest level in this country under the APC government. Nigeria, since independence, has never been divided like this. Everybody is working for himself.
“Tribalism is promoted above the unity of the country. We cannot afford to fail Nigerians by not providing an alternative platform as we walk towards 2023. Because of that, we have met with the stakeholders of our party to find ways toward reforming the party.
Reflecting on the meeting, Ortom said the PDP had resolved its internal wrangling and is poised for victory in future elections. He said the party had resolved to remain focused in the face of alleged intimidation and blackmail from the ruling APC. He affirmed that the opposition party was prepared to take Nigeria from bottom to top.
According to him, the PDP has learned its lessons and is willing to serve as a beacon of hope for the country’s democracy and as a people-oriented party capable of providing a better alternative. He said the 13 governors elected on the party’s platform remain united in promoting PDP’s interest above other considerations.
Ortom said the APC had failed Nigerians on all fronts including economy, security, and the anti-corruption fight. He regretted that the ruling party had abandoned the citizens to their fate.
“We have decided that the national executive of our party should call for an early national convention in October. We have also agreed that the National Working Committee should remain till that time, according to the constitution of our party. This, we believe, will end protests and agitations for and against the NWC of our party,” he said
On the electronic transmission of election results, Ortom said: “As a country, we have come of age. We cannot go back to analog when the whole world is going digital. Mr. President must have a rethink. I want to advise him not to sign the amendment without electronic transmission.
“For us, here in the state, we will be fully mobilised. Anyone that comes to rig the election in 2023 should say his last prayer. You cannot rig where we are the majority. It is impossible.” ##
