Atiku Abubakar Emerges PDP Presidential Candidate
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for 2023 presidential election.
The former vice president scored 371 votes to emerge as the party flagbearer defeating his close contender, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, who polled 237 votes.
The Chairman and Chief Retuning Officer of the PDP Special Convention, Sen. David Mark, announcing the results, said total number of accredited delegates was 767, the total number of votes cast was 763, while 13 were invalid votes.
Mark said that “Abubakar having scored the highest votes in the election is hereby declared the winner”.
He also announced the votes scored by other aspirants as Former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki – 70 votes and Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom – 38 votes,
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim – 14 votes and Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State – 20 votes.
The only female Aspirant, Mrs Tari Oliver, and the former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Samuel Ohuabunwa scored one vote each.
A major game-changer was the stepping down of Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal who stepped down supporting Atiku Abubakar. This eventually changed the dynamics handing the momentum to the former Vice President.
In his victory speech, Atiku commended the electoral process employed in the primary.
“Today we are making another history,” he said. “A history which we believe will bring about fundamental changes and also in our political processes.”
He reiterated that his campaign will be built on five fundamentals, including a pledge to unify the country.
“I pledge to unify this country,” he said. “That’s why I refer to myself as a unifier.
“The reason why I feel that unity is important is because APC has disunited Nigerians completely.
“I will work to restore unity and bring a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.”
Mr Atiku vowed to decisively deal with the country’s security challenges and confront its economic problems.
“The PDP made Nigeria one of the most prosperous countries in Africa,” he said. “We implemented economic reforms. The APC wiped out all those gains.”
He also called on his fellow contestants to work and cooperate with him.
The Adamawa State born politician and business tycoon returns 4 years after to reclaim PDP’s ticket for his sixth Presidential bid he hopes will count this time around.
The election was largely seen as successful and democratic even though social media analysts suggest the delegates may have been swayed by financial gratifications.
