Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has won the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, making him the forerunner for the party in the race to the 2023 general elections.
On Saturday, the PDP held its presidential primary elections at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja amidst the sudden extension of primaries by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mr Abubakar, a retired customs office and Nigeria’s vice-president from 1999 to 2007, won the most votes from the 767 delegates accredited for the convention. The full results are still being collated.
Breakdown of the votes:
- Atiku – 371
- Wike – 237
- Nikola Saraki – 70
- Udom Emmanuel – 38
- Bala Muhammad – 20
- Pius Anyim – 14
Earlier, Sokoto state governor and fellow presidential aspirant Aminu Tambuwal withdrew from the race. Mr Tambuwal urged his supporters among the delegates to vote for the former vice president, subsequently shooting him ahead of his main contender Nyesom Wike.
In March, Mr Abubakar formally declared his interest in running for the office of the Nigerian president in 2023. His campaign focus covered security, economy, education and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units.
Mr Abubakar promised the nation that his administration would tackle the stealing of public funds if elected president in the 2023 general elections. The presidential hopeful pledged to ensure that the educational sector was given proper care and attention.
Reacting to his victory at the primary election, Atiku said the battle to rebuild and unite Nigeria has just begun.
“Today, the battle to rebuild and unite our great country moves forward. I’m honoured to be named the @OfficialPDPNig candidate. 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,” Atiku wrote on his verified twitter page
Today, the battle to rebuild and unite our great country moves forward. I’m honoured to be named the @OfficialPDPNig candidate. 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.-AA #OneNigeria pic.twitter.com/6HdbwUOde0
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 28, 2022
