Former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), on Thursday secured the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket after edging out four other aspirants at the party’s primary election held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
According to the result announced by the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Dr. Kayode Fayemi,
Buhari polled 3, 430 votes to brush aside competition from
Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who recorded 974 votes.
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar came third with 954 votes.
While Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, got 624 votes,
the Publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Dr. Sam Nda –Isaiah, garnered 10 votes.
16 votes were declared invalid by election officials.
The election result was signed by agents of the five presidential aspirants.
Following Buhari’s success at the APC primaries, the stage is now set for a titanic battle between the Daura-born former army general and President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party in next February presidential poll.
The former head of state had contested three previous presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, losing on those occasions to PDP candidates.
Over 7,000 delegates took part in the exercise monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, including the National Commissioner, Col. M.A. Amanga and the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola.
Meanwhile, Atiku has congratulated Buhari over his victory at the primaries, saying his triumph at the poll was well deserved.
“Gen. Muhammadu 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,” the former vice president said in a statement issued by his media office in Lagos.
By Hamed Shobiye, Justice Ilevbare and David Lawal
