Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has emerged winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), presidential primary election.
With over 371 votes, Atiku defeated the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who was his closest challenger, gaining 237 votes.
In his acceptance speech, at the 2022 PDP National Convention which held on Saturday, May 28th at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Atiku pledged to make security and the unity of Nigerians his topmost priority when elected President in 2023.
Meanwhile, Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, came a distant third with 70 votes.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, scored 14 votes, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed 20 votes and Udom Emmanuel 38 votes.
Dele Momodu, Ayo Fayose, Charles Ugwu, and Chikwendu Kalu scored zero votes each, while Tarella Diana and Sam Ohuabunwa, received one vote each.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku Abubakar in the PDP presidential primary race.
Tambuwal who urged his Supporters to give Atiku their support, further said the decision came after consultations.
In his words: “I have come to the conclusion – to the glory of God Almighty, seeing millions of Nigerians suffering and the need for us to close ranks in the party and as one of the leaders in this party – I have come to a patriotic conclusion to step down my aspiration.”
“And not only that, I have appealed to my supporters to take this in good strides and for national unity and patriotism – not only that, those who are delegates here – should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.” He advised.
On the other hand, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammed, declared that he will not step down for any aspirant, as he is the most qualified one to lead Nigeria.
In the words of the FCT Minister: “I am not stepping down for anybody. i am not going to be a northeastern president, but a nigerian president. nobody has my pedigree among all the contenders in the north east. look at all i have done. i have gone through the mills and the mix. i understand diversity.
While fielding questions from journalists at the convention venue, Muhammed said he was contacted for a consensus but made it clear that it was too late.
“I have been approached, but it is too late for me to step down for a consensus candidate. Yes, I am a product of consensus. Presidency and governorship are issues of consensus but it came very late and it is not feasible for me to just abandon the project, leaving my supporters and Nigerians who look up to me.
My achievements are tangible in the FCT and Bauchi and everywhere. so, nobody can come and tell me that i can take the second fiddle.” He added.