Wike, Ortom Honoured As PDP Governors’ Forum Welcomes New Members

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors’ forum has recognized Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike for placing personal “interests ahead of those of our party, people, and nation.”

At a recent ceremony in Abuja, the forum presented the prize to the party’s newly elected governors.

Governors of Benue and Enugu, Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, were also honored.

Wike, Ortom, and Ugwuanyi were among the G-5 governors that refused to back Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate.

In the February 25 presidential election, the PDP lost in all of its states, with Abubakar finishing second to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto and chairman of the forum, spoke at the event, praising his colleagues’ “solidarity and comradeship” and “desire for the best of our party.”

“For my colleagues, out-going governors of our forum, I commend all of you for your solidarity and comradeship. As a first among equals, I can vouch for the warm support and friendship of all the governors of our party,” he said.

“Sometimes, it was tough agreeing on all things, but we never forgot to put our interests behind that of our party, people, and nation.”

“The moments we have shared under this forum have been moments of joy, learning, comradeship support for one another, and a desire for the best of our party, states, and country. To you all, I express my gratitude.”

Former Ondo governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose, former Gombe governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson were also honored during the occasion for their contributions to the party.

All PDP governors-elect were also honored and encouraged to be the “shining armors of the party in the future.”

In the most recent governorship election, the opposing party won 10 states.