- Photo: Atiku*
Former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He emerged presidential candidate of the party at the end of the presidential primary by polling 371 votes.
His closest rival, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, got 237 votes.
Other aspirants with the number of votes polled include Bukola Saraki – 70; Sam Ohuanbunwa – 1; Anyim Pius Anyim – 14; Udom Emmanuel – 38 votes; Bala Mohammed – 20.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; Ovation Magazine publisher, Chief Dele Momodu; Mr. Charles Ugwu and Chikwendu Kalu recorded zero vote.
Pundits believed that the last minute withdrawal of Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal swayed victory in favour of Atiku.
He stepped down at 8.55pm, few minutes to the commencement of the primaries held in Abuja on Saturday, saying “In view of the situation of our country and the need for us in our party to minimise rancour and jostling for power, in any case, it is not always about an individual; it must always be about our country.
“I have come to the conclusion that to the glory of God Almighty, and from the results of what we are seeing throughout the country – millions of Nigerians suffering, and the need for us to close ranks in the party, and as one of the leaders of this party – I have come to a patriotic conclusion to step down my aspiration.
“Not only that, I would appeal to my supporters to take this in good strides and in the interest of national unity and patriotism, and not only that, those who are delegates here should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”
The former vice president took to his Twitter handle to thank Tambuwal for his gesture.
“Thank you, H.E @AWTambuwal, for your spirited campaign. I look forward to working with you as we unite our party and our country,” he said.
Atiku after his victory said “Today, the march to rebuild and unite our great country moves forward. I am honoured to be named the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” he wrote on
“I look forward to speaking with Nigerians across the country, taking the message of hope and unity as we build one future for one people.”
