- Defeats, Wike, Saraki, Others
- A former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has clinched the presidential ticket of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
He was vice president to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
While Atiku scored 371 votes to defeat closes rival, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who poled 237 votes, former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, scored 70 votes.
Others who did not withdraw from the race till the last minute were Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State who got 38 votes; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, scored 20 votes; a former Senate President, Pius Anyim, got 14 votes, while a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sam Ohuabunwa, polled only one vote.
Signs of Atiku’s victory became clear at the early stage of the event on Saturday after former Managing Director of FSB, Mohammed Hayatu-Deeen withdrew from the race.
He was to be followed later by a major contender, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal who said he was stepping down to back Atiku.
It was believed that major stakeholders in the North had prevailed on the Sokoto Governor not to split the votes of the North and allow Atiku have a smooth ride.
https://twitter.com/atiku/status/1530682339944169472In his immediate reaction, Atiku said “Today, the battle to rebuild and unite our great country moves forward. I’m honoured to be named the PDP 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.”