By Emeka Okafor
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has won the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 general elections.
Atiku defeated his closest rival and incumbent Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike who scored 237 votes to emerged the candidate of the party.
He scored 371 votes to defeat 12 other presidential aspirants including former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki garnered 70 votes to come third in the primaries.
Governors Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi polled 38 and 20 votes respectively.
While Anyim Pius Anyim, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation garnered 14 votes. Diana Oliver and Samuel Ohuabumwa secured one vote each while 12 votes were voided in the exercise.
Commenting on his victory, Atiku promised to work for the development of the country if elected president.
He said it considered it an honour to emerged 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. 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,” he said.
Atiku was the candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections won by President Muhammadu Buhari.
