March 28, (THEWILL) – The Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate in the Benue North West district and Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has Withdrawn his petition filed at the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal challenging the victory of his opponent, Titus Zam of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Governor Ortom, who made the disclosure after a closed-door meeting with political stakeholders from Benue North West district held at Government House, Makurdi, on Wednesday, noted that the decision was without prejudice.
“Let me add that the decision to withdraw my case from the court is in the interest of peace and without prejudice to the suits filed by other candidates of our party, PDP,” he said.
He assured that as a leader of PDP, he will continue to support the party in collaboration with other leaders to enable it to bounce back from the mistakes and drawbacks that are affecting it at the moment.
“Let me reassure the people of Benue State that as Governor, I will continue to provide selfless service in all sectors of development till the end of my tenure on May 29, 2023,” he said.
According to him, the recently concluded National Assembly elections and the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were marred with intimidation and irregularities.
“As a key political player in Benue State, whose career has spanned over 40 years, the grace of God has taken me to key positions at the local, state and national levels, within which period, I rose to become a local government chairman, state secretary, state deputy chairman and national auditor of PDP, minister of the federal republic and now, I am a two-term Governor. I will forever remain grateful to Almighty God and the people of Benue State. God’s mercy and blessings have indeed enabled me to attain these heights.
“I must commend the resilience of Benue people, who went out to vote during the elections despite the glaring provocation and intimidation by the federal might. I particularly thank the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state for its support,” he stated.
Ortom said it has been an honour to serve the people of Benue State as Governor within the period he executed the mandate given to him by God through Benue people and will always be available and ready to carry out God’s mandate as He directs him, noting that in the course of duty, he has always ensured equity, fairness, justice and the rule of law.
He insists that there was glaring evidence of malpractices including non-transmission of results electronically during the conduct of the Benue North West Senatorial election, but has decided to withdraw his case from the tribunal.
“As the Bible says in John 3:27 ‘A man can receive nothing, except it is given to him from heaven,” he added.
He noted that for those he might have offended in the journey of serving the state and the country, he seeks their forgiveness, as he also forgives those, who have offended him.
