Atiku’s Victory: I look forward to squaring up with him- Tinubu 
A presidential hopeful of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the just emerged presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on his victory at the party’s primary election.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday. The PDP had on Saturday conducted its primary election in Abuja, and Atiku emerged the winner. Tinubu noted that Atiku will be a worthy opponent in the 2023 presidential race.
“I welcome the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the just concluded primary,” he said. “I look forward to squaring up with him as a worthy opponent in the coming election.”
While congratulating Atiku, Tinubu stated that Atiku’s victory did not surprise Nigerians, being a man with vast experience as a statesman and veteran of many presidential contests fsince1993.
“As we move further into the election season, I charge the PDP presidential candidate and all political actors across party lines that we should make this election season devoid of bitterness, rancour, and strife,” the former Lagos State governor advised.
“We should make our campaigns peaceful and issue-based. Election season should be a festival of ideas that will uplift our country and improve the living condition of all our people. Unfortunately for the PDP, its candidate will be burdened to explain why Nigerians should give it another opportunity after squandering 16 years at the central government without much to show.
“Nigerians are yet to forget the national ruin and mismanagement of our country for 16 years by successive PDP administration, and this bad memory will dog the campaign of the PDP Candidate. Nevertheless, I once again congratulate our former Vice President for his victory in his party’s primary,” Tinubu stated.
Recall that the former vice president, Atiku, had in 2019 contested for the number one seat but lost to President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling APC.
His victory at Saturday’s poll at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja has raised many brows. While some welcomed his candidacy, others wished for a southern flag bearer for the party.
Atiku won 371 votes, next to the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who scored 237 votes
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki (70); Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel (38), Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed (38), Former Senate President Pius Anyim (14), Mrs Tari Diana Oliver (One), and Mr Sam Ohuabunwa (1) shared the remainder of the valid votes.
