By Ademola Adebayo
Former Vice President and Turakin Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s special convention/presidential primaries of the party.
It will be the 75-year-old’s sixth attempt for the nation’s top job.
READ ALSO: PDP presidential primaries: 767 delegates to vote, as Gov. Tambuwal steps down
He was also the PDP’s candidate in the last election in 2019, which he lost to incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Alhaji Abubakar polled a total of 371votes to defeat his closest rival Nyesome Wike, Governor of Rivers state who polled 237 votes.
Before voting commenced on Friday at the primary election in Abuja, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku, a move that strengthened the Adamawa politician’s bid for the ticket.
Mr Atiku scored 371 votes. His closest challenger, Wike, polled 237 votes. Saraki pulled 70 votes.
Emmanuel Udom (38), Bala Mohammed (38), Anyim Pius Anyim (14), Mrs Tari Diana Oliver (1) and Sam Ohuabunwa (1) shared the remainder of the eligible votes.
There was a total of 12 invalid votes.
In a goodwill and appreciation message posted on his official Twitter handle, Atiku Abubakar had this to say;
“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.”
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
