Governor Aminu Tambuwal has stepped down for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Primaries.
Tambuwal, who announced his withdrawal from the race at the venue of the exercise, asked his supporters to queue behind Atiku.
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He said, “Having consulted widely throughout the length and breadth of the country, I have come to the belief that as a leader, a time will come to make sacrifices for the good of all.
“”To avoid rancour in the party and to address the suffering of Nigerians, I have come to conclusion to step down my aspiration.”
Tambuwal’s withdrawal from the race was greeted with thunderous applause.
Meanwhile, Voting has commenced at the presidential primaries in Abuja.
The voting began at about 9.00 pm amid tight security and watch of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and aspirants’ agents.
Speaking before the commencement of the voting, Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor and Chairman, Electoral Sub-committee, said out of the 774 delegates eligible to vote, 767 were accredited.
He warned the delegates against going to the voting area with cameras, saying, “The sanctity of the ballots must be maintained.”
House of Representatives Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, formally moved the motion for the commencement of voting.
