Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who lost the Presidential primary of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to the former Nigeria’s military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, has called on Nigerians, especially the supporters of the party. to rally behind the General for the 2015 Presidential election.Atiku stressed: “I call on all other contestants and our party’s rank and file to unite behind our candidates at all levels to ensure that the PDP is defeated, so Nigerians can have real change.nI will hand over to Gen. Buhari for his review and possible implementation my policy document which was developed in line with the party’s philosophy.
Atiku who sent congratulatory message to General Buhari shortly after he was declared winner at the APC’s national convention and Presidential primary in Lagos, acknowledged that Buhari ran a spirited campaign and that since the delegates have spoken, he fully deserves the victory.
“I am very confident that you will provide the needed leadership to turn this country around. I have no doubt that you will work with dedicated and qualified Nigerians to protect our citizens, improve our economy, create jobs, improve education, reform governance and fight corruption. You will indeed bring the change Nigerians have been yearning for. Once more, congratulations.
“I congratulate the other contestants, namely Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Rochas Okorocha as well as the erudite Sam Nda-Isaiah. You have all demonstrated your commitment to democracy by participating in this transparent process and by campaigning vigorously across this country.
“I thank our delegates for their sacrifices and their commitment to democracy. In particular, I thank those who voted for me for your faith in me. However, since we came up short, we have to now rally behind General Buhari to help him prevail in the coming Presidential election.
“The APC has demonstrated, through the transparent process, the Party’s commitment to democracy and rule of law. It has demonstrated its respect for people and their choice through the ballot box.
“I sincerely thank the Convention Committee for putting together a hitch-free convention.
“My dear friends, we have voted, a winner has emerged. I pledge my commitment to this Party, and to campaign vigorously for our candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and all APC candidates to ensure victory in the 2015 elections.
General Buhari emerged as the Presidential Candidate of APC for the February 2015 Presidential elections by polling a total of 3,430 votes to beat Atiku who polled 954 votes and Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso with 975 votes.
The other contestants were publisher of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Same Nda-Isaiah who polled 10 votes and Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha who polled 624 votes.
Unlike the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose candidate emerged by consensus, the opposition APC went into full contest.
The final result of the primary was announced today by the Chairman of the APC convention committee and immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
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