The battle line between the main contenders in next year’s general elections was finally drawn yesterday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the standard bearer of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku, who is making his fifth run for president, will face the incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari, whose candidacy was affirmed yesterday at the convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.

Atiku polled 1532 votes, followed by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who scored 693 votes. Senate President Bukola Saraki came third with 317 votes.

Prior to the commencement of the convention, held in Port Harcourt, efforts were made to prevail on some of the 11 aspirants to step down for Atiku, Tambuwal or Saraki to no avail.


Sources told The Guardian that some governors of the south south and eastern states swung the votes in favour of Atiku, whom they felt stood a better chance of defeating the APC in 2019.

Tambuwal had been tipped to win the primaries, as a result of backing from River State Governor Nyesom Wike and others. But a decision by Atiku’s team to book hotels in advance for delegates was a clincher that also gave the aspirant easy access to voters.

The Guardian learnt that the aspirants financially induced some of the delegates. Those from Rivers State were specially barred from receiving tips from Atiku’s camp. They were reportedly directed to vote for Tambuwal who polled 100 per cent vote from the state.

Wike was said to have informed his colleagues that the reason behind his support for his Sokoto State counterpart was that the caliphate would make crucial inputs in the process of weaving other emirs for a groundswell of support in the north for Tambuwal to defeat the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari in next year’s poll.

The attempt to entangle traditional rulers in active partisan politics was said to have peeved some of the PDP governors to the extent that governors opposed to a Tambuwal presidency wondered why Wike should arrogate unto himself the power to negotiate collaborations for other state governors.

Despite the opposition of other PDP governors, it was also disclosed that the entry of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki into the presidential contest altered the equation by detracting from the youthful argument that was working in Tambuwal favour.

Those who argue that the entrance of the Senate President dimmed Tambuwal’s chances, claim that Saraki’s 317 votes would have naturally gone to the Sokoto State governor, adding that Tambuwal’s 693 and Saraki’s 317 would have put the ticket beyond Atiku.

Yet it was also said that Saraki’s 317 vote haul was due to his late entry to the race coupled with frequent distractions orchestrated by the Presidency and the ruling party that did not want a Saraki on the presidential ballot to compete with Buhari for the crucial Southwest votes in the general election.

Retired generals from the north threw their support behind Atiku, ostensibly to ensure that the caliphate did not become so powerful as Wike wanted. An added advantage was Atiku’s experience in the management of delegates and presidential elections, which his political groupings like Peoples Front of Nigeria and Peoples Democratic Movement have been doing from the 1990s, which culminated in the trouncing of PSP group to seize the then Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In his acceptance speech, he described the primaries as the most credible and transparent since the country returned to democratic rule. He lauded all the aspirants for placing unity, purpose and commitment to the party and Nigerians above individual interests. He declared his readiness to work with them towards victory at the general elections.

“We cannot afford to fail Nigerians at this very historic moment because they are yearning for the return of the PDP to power. They know that under PDP they had years of prosperity, unity, security and development. They have seen the gross mismanagement of the APC government. Therefore, we have a wonderful opportunity to return the PDP to power in this country.”

In a peace overture, he also addressed his fierce critic, saying: “On a personal note, I wouldn’t have been standing where I am standing today if my former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, had not made me his vice president. Under his tutelage, I learnt quite a lot and I believe the experience I got is going to definitely impact on how we govern this country. I wish to pay my personal tribute to him.”


Obasanjo had said he would not back Atiku, swearing: “God will never forgive me, if I do.”

High-level consultation and political horse-trading seemed to have forced the PDP to defer the nomination of its vice presidential candidate.

INEC in an election time-table published earlier this year had made it compulsory for all political parties to submit the names of persons nominated for elective offices not later than October 7.

But checks by The Guardian showed that though the ticket for the office of president and vice president is supposed to be a joint affair, the opposition party is not yet ready to announce a nominee.

PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan confirmed in a telephone interview that the party would take advantage of provisions in the Electoral Act that allow the submission of only the president’s name and that of his vice president at a later date.

Atiku’s emergence, however, has elicited mixed reactions.

The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, indicated its willingness to back Atiku, given the aspirant’s stance on restructuring. “He came to us and promised that he was going to restructure the country. And we have already said that anybody who wants to restructure with all seriousness, such will be our candidate,” said Secretary General Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa. He added: “Now that he is in, Afenifere will still decide. Whenever we make a statement, we don’t recant. We stand by whatever we do.”

But a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Dr. Amos Akingba, warned that nothing would change with an Atiku presidency unless the country embraces true federalism.

“The problem is not with the candidate but the current arrangement of the Nigerian constitution, which is like putting square pegs in round holes. It cannot work. A unitary constitution cannot favour anybody. Whether Buhari or Atiku, neither of them can really do much. Nine out of 10 of those that go into public office do so with good intentions. But when they get there, the constitution does not allow them to really do much,” Akingba said.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, on its part, congratulated Atiku. In a message, spokesmen of the forum, Mr. Yinka Odumakin (Southwest); Senator Bassey Henshaw (South South); Prof. Chigozie Ogbu (Southeast) and Dr. Isuwa Dogo (Middle Belt) said Atiku’s candidacy is a breath of fresh air to Nigeria’s democratic project.

The forum stressed it is never too early to remind Atiku of his commitment to restructuring. “It is clear today that no amount of good governance programmes can get Nigeria out of the woods without a proper structure that can restore it to productivity under a true federalism,” it said, urging INEC to stand up for credible elections.

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, also congratulated Atiku. Its president general, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who spoke through his media adviser, Chief Emeka Attamah, wished the former vice president a “fair contest” in the forthcoming polls.

But the national chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, said he foresees a keen contest, stressing that that it would not be an easy game for the PDP and APC.

Although he congratulated Atiku, he nevertheless regretted that the future of the Igbo has been placed in the hands of two people of northern extraction. “The two have track records of who they are. And like a leopard, they cannot change overnight. Now, the battle line is drawn. But it also means that the alignment of political forces will continue until the end of the election,” he said.

Sounding cautious, he noted: “The game has shifted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). And at the end of the day, they could be used to make or mar the election process. The attention of the entire world will now focus on Nigeria. We are watching with keen interest.”

The Arewa Youths For Development and Progress (AYFDAP) said Atiku’s emergence is a good omen, given what it described as his antecedent as a dogged politician who has contributed to the development of industry and education.

“Buhari should be ready to face an uphill task in the 2019 elections. That is why we are asking for free and fair polls. Nigeria has suffered poverty, crisis and violence. We, the northern youths, believe that with the coming of Atiku as the presidential candidate of the PDP, Nigeria will experience revival in all facets of the economy,” said AYFDAP president, Danjuma Sarki.

The South East Revival Group (SERG) in a statement by its national coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said: “For the first time in recent years, the PDP seems to have got it right by its choice of a presidential candidate, a man who believes in restructuring. SERG urges him to bring to the table his comprehensive plan for south east development in line with his restructuring agenda.”

A Kano-based public affairs analyst, Dr. Abati Bako, was restrained. According to him, Atiku’s chances of winning the presidency are “very” slim “because of the critical factor of power of incumbency. Of course, in democracy anything can happen. After all, we saw what happened in the U.S. during the election that brought in President Trump. But this is Africa with a peculiar system.”

The vice chairman (South South) of the APC, Prince Hilliard Eta, said Buhari would easily defeat Atiku at the polls. He argued: “With Atiku, we now know that Buhari will be the president after the 2019 poll. I am sure Nigerians would not want to go back to Egypt after crossing the Red Sea. Nigerians know the worth of Buhari. I am sure they won’t think twice before casting their votes for him.”

Meanwhile, wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, condemned the APC primaries held in parts of the country, citing irregularities, impunity and unfairness.


Her brother, Mahmood Halilu, who was defeated at the governorship primary in Adamawa State, has called for a cancellation, saying the exercise was fraught with irregularities.

“It is disheartening to note that some aspirants used their hard-earned money to purchase nomination forms, got screened, cleared and campaigned vigorously, yet found their names omitted on election day,” she said on her Twitter account.

In a veiled reference to Oshiomhole, she said: “All Progressives Congress is a party whose cardinal principle is change and is headed by a comrade/activist whose main concern is for the common man, yet, such impunity could take place under its watch. Given this development, one will not hesitate but dissociate from such unfairness, be neutral and speak for the voiceless. It is important for the populace to rise against impunity and for voters to demand that aspirants be committed to the provision of basic amenities.”

But in a statement yesterday, President Buhari, through his spokesman, Garba Shehu, urged losers in the primaries to demonstrate sportsmanship by accepting defeat without bitterness.

“We shouldn’t lose hope permanently because tomorrow could present another opportunity for us to contest again and win,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/why-delegates-dumped-tambuwal-for-atiku.html

ok

MynaijaDJ: Looking good Atiku
Atiku: Feeling good mynaijaDJ.

Power of dollars

Nice one and good decision

Like for Buhari, share for this goat.

Dollars

PDP will win Buhari if:

1.) Buhari organizes a free and fair election in 2019 like Goodluck did without repeating what happened in Osun and Ekiti States!

2.) Kwankwaso will throw his Kwankwasiya supporters behind Atiku

3.) Tambuwal will rally his caliphate supporters to work honestly with Atiku

4.) Saraki will throw his weight to still support Atiku

Atiku has won South south, Southeast and Middlebelt already.

The only regions he needs to focus on winning now is his own Northeast and Southwest.

But of course, Yoruba people will definitely vote Buhari just to spite Igbos, but who cares

If Buhari finally rigs the election as planned and wins, both Igbos, Hausas, Ijaws, Idomas, Binis and Yorubas will suffer it together.

For the sake of strengthening our democracy and passing a strong message to incoming presidents that they need to perform to win reelection, Nigerians really need to rally together and vote Buhari out no matter what!

Yorubas need to wake up!

Vice Presidential slot is nonsense!

Don't sell your future because of ordinary VP slot that have no say in government!!!

Wake up!

Support Atiku let's teach Buhari and other incoming presidents a lesson and make Nigeria stronger and united!!

Na dollarpo cause am

It was decided by the Council of State to pick Atiku so that so much power won't be rested on the Caliphate. Obasanjo was persuaded to stay on Atiku's side by the Generals.

Atiku has Experience, Finance, and Spread out structures. So he's the best man to unseat Buhari.

Anyone remembered when Aliyu Gusau, a retired General, walked in and his arrival announced immediately. He brought message from the Generals.

Before anyone quote me, i am wasn't an Atiku fan. But removing Buhari is a task we all must achieve by whatever means

Late entrant into the race.. I he surprised me by defeating Saraki

Saraki was not serious about the position he was just pulling his smart moves again

Smart man

Adamu, look...that road leads straight to Daura.

Kai!.....begin to gather all the Zombies sofforting me in Nairaland to get ready to escort me back home after the election in 2019.

Walahi this "Atikulating" man is bery bery too much por me fa!

story

Bizzysmitty:
Power of dollars

Your master that got 14.8 mollion votes ,what's that one called ?

Articulate Atiku is here to obliterate bad memories created by Buhari.Letter 'A' comes first before letter 'B' and A is for excellence.

But Atiku is the better Candidate to contest with President Buhari, I don't know why the rest still bought form when none of them is half as popular as Atiku. Atiku might have a Questionable past but the man is More educated and a million time more intelligent than the Current Oga in power.

Whatever reasons,the mission is clear....send this up coming lifeless terrorist artist back to duara!!!

Story. It's all about the Benjamin

Are you sure? Even some of these associations supporting and adopting candidates A or B. Some people still take them seriously knowing fully well that none of them has ever influenced voting pattern before. can anyone say that he won election in the south East Because Ohaneze ndigbo supported him?

Atiku for president, atleast, he's not lifeless n can relate well in English n audible also

Atikulate 2019. Atiku the man of the moment but don't rely on vote from south east you need south west and north west more

check my siggy, get your electronics at flat rates, payment on delivery, buys services also available from alaba market

Stingy Wike offering delegates $1,000 to vote for Tambuwal. I have said it PDP is bigger than Wike. Presidential election is not National Chairman that you manipulated. #teamatikulated

Tambuwal's candidacy would have been an error for PDP and they know it.

Atiku just needs to work on his homebase, the North East. Then with support from the Middlebelt, South South and South East, he can ride an elephant to the moon. However, he should be careful with his choice of VP. A South-Southerner or South-Westerner would be his best bet if he wants additional support. The South East will vote for him regardless of who his VP is because they really won't have a choice. It's either Buhari or Atiku. The South South is polarised along ethnic lines and APC has been making in-roads in Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Its best he selects someone that can command respect in the region, regardless of the person's ethnicity. It has to be someone that can appeal to not only the SSners but the SWners, SEners and Middlebelters. He needs a VP that can effectively command the respect of the "creek boys" of the ND.

If he goes with the South West, then he should pick someone that can rival Tinubu's oligarchic dynasty. It has to be a candidate that will swing public opinion to his favour and, of course, the candidate has to appeal to the other regions too.

Atiku has a lot of hard choices to make, if he ever stands a chance.
Buhari, however, is too self-confident and that may ultimately make or mar him.

Even the presidents wife is distancing herself from the APC, the question now is why won't me and you as an ordinary citizen do same? This party is Evil

Na money attraction

The faith of PDP is in its own hands now. If they are united they have d ability to wrestle power from buhari if not they would fall like a pack of cards.

Atiku was the best option


Tested business man who can give people jobs

That's what we need now

Enough of the fake anti corruption and integrity anthem while his cronies loot the country dry and people loose jobs

Lol