Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has revealed that the influential G5 faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is throwing its weight behind President Bola Tinubu for a re-election bid in the upcoming 2027 presidential race.
The momentous announcement took place during a Sunday luncheon hosted by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and former Governor of Rivers State, in the vibrant city of Port Harcourt.
The event, attended by a constellation of political luminaries, showcased Nyesom Wike, donned in a stylish black shirt and a butter-colored jacket, standing side by side with Ortom and fellow G5 member Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu.
The G5, initially a coalition of five rebel governors within the PDP, had previously diverged from the party’s endorsed candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 polls. Instead, they rallied behind the southern candidate, Bola Tinubu, in a surprising move that shook the political landscape.
Consisting of Ortom, Wike, Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), the G5 has been a formidable force within the PDP. All members, except for Makinde, who is currently in his second term, completed their eight-year gubernatorial terms last May.
Addressing the allies of Wike and other attendees, Ortom expressed the G5’s contentment with their previous support for Tinubu and declared an unwavering commitment to endorse him for a second term as Nigeria’s President.
This endorsement from the G5 marks a pivotal alliance in the Nigerian political arena, carrying substantial implications for the forthcoming presidential elections. Ortom emphasized, “If we work to ensure Bola Ahmed succeeds, there will be tomorrow for anybody to even contest the election at all.”
He continued, “Our leader, Nyesom Wike, has already made a declaration that in 2027, we are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have nowhere to go because that is what Nigerians believe. Even the past administration that took Nigeria from top to bottom, we allowed them to work for eight years. So, why can’t a seasoned administrator in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rule us for eight years?” Ortom assured Nigerians that Tinubu would address critical challenges in security, the economy, and other areas affecting citizens.
