The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abukakar, says all hands must be on deck to take the party to a greater height and ensure the PDP retakes power in next year’s general elections.
Speaking shortly after defeating his closet opponent and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Atiku said: “I commended their courage and gallantry. This has indeed deepened our democracy. I am ready to cooperate and work with them and give them a sense of belonging.
“I appreciate their efforts and I look forward to working with them. I pledge to unify this country. That’s why I refer to myself as a unifier. The reason I feel that unity is important is that APC has disunited Nigerians completely. I will work to restore unity and bring a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.”
He also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanaging the country but promised to fix the economy and tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.“The PDP made Nigeria one of the most prosperous countries in Africa. We implemented economic reforms. The APC wiped out all those gains.”
Earlier, the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal had stepped down from the race and urged his supporters to vote for Atiku Abukakar, consequently the Chairman of the PDP electoral committee for the Presidential primaries, David Mark, had announced the results as follows:
Atiku Abubakar – 371 votes
Nyesom Wike – 237 votes
Bukola Saraki – 70 votes
Emmanuel Udom – 38 votes
Bala Mohammed – 20 votes
Anyim Pius – 14 votes
Sam Ohuabunwa – 1 vote
Oliver Teriela Diana – 1 vote
Void Votes – 12
