Former vice-president and serial presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate of Nigeria’s opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

This is his sixth attempt at the Presidency. He was also the PDP’s candidate in the last election in 2019, which he lost to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Atiku emerged as a candidate at the end of the presidential primary after polling 371 votes. He defeated the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who scored 237 votes.

Other aspirants with the number of votes they polled include Bukola Saraki – 70; Sam Ohuanbunwa – 1; Anyim Pius Anyim – 14; Udom Emmanuel – 38 and  Bala Mohammed – 20.

Before voting commenced on Friday at the primary election in Abuja, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku, a move that strengthened Atiku’s bid for the ticket.

In his victory speech, Atiku commended the electoral process employed in the primary.

“Today we are making another history,” he said. “A history which we believe will bring about fundamental changes and also in our political processes.”

He reiterated that his campaign will be built on five fundamentals, including a pledge to unify the country.

“I pledge to unify this country,” he said. “That’s why I refer to myself as a unifier. The reason why I feel that unity is important is because APC has disunited Nigerians completely.

“I will work to restore unity and bring a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.”

Atiku vowed to decisively deal with the country’s security challenges and confront its economic problems.

“The PDP made Nigeria one of the most prosperous countries in Africa,” he said. “We implemented economic reforms. The APC wiped out all those gains.”