Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election.
This will be his sixth attempt for the nation’s top job.
The 75-year old was also the PDP’s candidate in the last election in 2019, which he lost to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Atiku secured 371 votes to win the election. He floored the likes of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel to win the PDP's 2023 presidential ticket
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku before the voting started, a move that strengthened the Adamawa politician’s bid for the ticket.
In the primary election held on Friday in Abuja, Atiku scored 371 votes. His closest rivalry, Wike, polled 237 votes. While Saraki scored 70 votes.
Others are: Emmanuel (38), Mohammed (38), Anyim Pius Anyim (14), Mrs Tari Diana Oliver (1) and Sam Ohuabunwa (1).
Commending the process of the primary, Atiku reiterated his pledge to unify Nigeria and give everyone ‘sense of belonging’
“Today we are making another history,” he said. “A history which we believe will bring about fundamental changes and also in our political processes.”
“That’s why I refer to myself as a unifier.
“The reason why I feel that unity is important is because APC has disunited Nigerians completely.
“I will work to restore unity and bring a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.”
He vowed to decisively tackle the country’s security challenges and confront its economic challenges.
“The PDP made Nigeria one of the most prosperous countries in Africa,” he said. “We implemented economic reforms. The APC wiped out all those gains.”
He also solicited for the support of his fellow contestants to work for the party’s victory at the 2023 presidential polls.