By JACOB KUBEKA
PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA, Oct. 7: Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has paid tributes to his former boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and pledged to put in his very best to ensure victory for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s presidential election.
In his acceptance speech after emerging the presidential flag bearer of the PDP, Atiku noted that if former President Obasanjo had not made him his vice in 1999, “I would not have been standing here today ,” adding that under Obasanjo’s leadership, he underwent his political tutelage and experience.
Describing his victory at as a culmination of a political career spanning over 40 years, Atiku said he had participated in five electoral processes but that the national convention of the PDP held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was the most credible process “and I hope that when we get into power, we can build of what has been achieved here to improve the conduct of our electoral process in this country.”
He said, “Today, we are witnessing a landmark event – a landmark event in the sense that since the rebranding of the PDP – and I dare say, since the return of democratic governance in this country, we have witnessed the most credible, transparent and fair primaries.”
He commended the 11 other presidential aspirants for displaying a sense of unity, a sense of purpose and commitment to the party and the nation. “They have clearly shown that the interest of the party and that of the country is more important that our individual interest.”
Atiku said he would need their support, assistance and understanding, stressing that it was impossible for him to do it alone. “It’s not a one man – man job; it’s a collective responsibility and I am ready to listen to you, to consult with you and work with you.”
He also paid tribute to Governor Nyeson Wike, the government and people of Rivers State for hosting the historic and hitch-free convention. “I believe we have quite a lot to learn from the conduct of this exercise and we can benefit from what has been achieved at this convention.”
Atiku told all PDP members and leaders: “We cannot afford to fail Nigerians at this historic moment. Nigerians are yearning for a quick return to PDP rule after comparing our performance with that of the APC.
The former vicce presideng, who polled 1,632 votes cast by delegates, beat 11 other contenders at the national convention of the PDP at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
he 11 other aspirants who contested for the PDP ticket included Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State (657 votes); Senate President Bukola Saraki (316 votes); Senator Kwankwaso (158); and Gome State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwabo (111 votes); former Jigawa state governor, Sule Lamido (96 votes) and; former Kaduna state Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi (74 voter).
The rest wereotes); former minister, Taminu Turaki (65 votes); former Senate President David Mark (35 votes); former Plateau State governor, Senstor Jonah David Jang (19 votes) and Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed (5 votes).
The results were announced by Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the Chairman, National Convention planning committee and electoral officer.
“We need to find solutions to the challenges that we have identified. It is not just enough to say that the APC has failed, but we are expected to proffer solutions to those challenges.”