Atiku beats Wike, Saraki, others, clinches PDP Presidential ticket

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has clinched the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 general election.

Atiku polled 371 votes at the election which held at MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday.

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Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State trailed with 237 Votes, while former Senate President Bukola Saraki garnered 70 votes.

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.

His main rival in the 2023 elections would be known when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) picks its candidate next week.