Yusuf Bello| Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday night emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election.
This is Atiku’s sixth shot at the presidency.
Earlier on Saturday night, Aminu Tambuwal, the Sokoto state governor withdrew from the race and asked his supporters to cast their votes for the former vice-president.
To win the PDP’s 2023 ticket, Atiku had to beat the likes of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Atiku scored 371 votes. His closest rival, Nyesom Wike, polled 237 votes, while Bukola Saraki pulled 70 votes.
Akwa Ibom state governor, Udom Emmanuel pulled (38), Mohammed (38), Anyim Pius Anyim (14), Mrs. Tari Diana Oliver (1), and Sam Ohuabunwa (1) shared the remainder of the eligible votes.
The special national convention of the opposition party took place in the velodrome at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking shortly after his victory, Atiku promised to work for the development of the country if elected president.
He said it considered it an honour to emerge the presidential candidate of Nigeria’s opposition party.
“Today, the march to rebuild and unite our great country moves forward. I am honoured to be named the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, he said in a social media post.
“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 was the candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections won by President Muhammadu Buhari.
His main rival in the 2023 elections would be known when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) picks its candidate next week.
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