• Scores 371, Wike Trails With 237 Votes
• Tambuwal Steps Down For Atiku 
• Wike Pledges To Support Winner
• Tinubu Congratulates Ex-VP, Challenges Him To Contest

Again, Atiku gets PDP presidential ticket

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 general election.

In a dramatic and keenly contested presidential primary election held in Abuja, Atiku polled 371 to beat his closest rival, Governor Nyesom Wike, who polled 237 votes. Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki finished third with 70 votes. 767 votes were recorded as total votes cast.Announcing the result after the election last night, chairman of the convention planning Committee, David Mark, who doubled as the chairman of the electoral committee, disclosed that Akwa-Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel polled 38 votes and was closely followed by the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed who got 20 votes.

Another former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, who polled 14 votes, was followed by the only female aspirant in the race, Tariela Oliva and Sam Ohuabunwa who polled one vote each. A total of 12 votes were voided after the counting.

Four of the 12 aspirants who participated in the election got no votes. Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; Charles Ugwu; Dele Momodu and Chikwendu Kalu.

In an acceptance speech after his victory, Atiku declared that it was another milestone in the effort to consolidate the gains of democracy. “Today, we are making another history. The history, which we believe will bring about fundamental changes in governance and also in our political processes. Today, we have witnessed another one of the freest elections conducted by our great party.”