BREAKING: Atiku Emerges PDP 2023 Presidential Flagbearer
AREWA AGENDA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has won the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, making him the flag bearer of the party in the race of forthcoming 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).
It will be the 75-year-old’s sixth attempt for the nation’s top job.
Mr Abubakar, a retired customs office and Nigeria’s vice-president from 1999 to 2007.
Mr Atiku scored 371 votes. His closest challenger, Wike, polled 237 votes. Saraki pulled 70 votes.
Emmanuel (38), Mohammed (38), Anyim Pius Anyim (14), Mrs Tari Diana Oliver (1) and Sam Ohuabunwa (1) shared the remainder of the eligible votes.
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Atiku was also the PDP’s candidate in the last election in 2019, which he lost to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Before primary election voting commenced in Abuja, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku, a move that strengthened the Adamawa politician’s bid for the ticket. 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 his response to the victory Atiku tweeted “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”
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.
