General Muhammadu Buhari has officially been declared winner of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary.
The former Head of State won landslide as polled 3,430 votes to best his closest rival Alhaji Rabiu Kwankanso who got 974 votes.
Atiku came behind Kwankanso with 954 votes. Atiku was expected to give the general a stiffer run for the ticket. The primary was held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos Nigeria.
Atiku, in conceding defeat, promised to work with the winner to clinch power from the ruling PDP.
With this victory, Gen. Buhari will square up with incumbent President, Goodluck Ebeele Jonathan in the February 2015 presidential elections.
Final results
Number of void — 16
Atiku Abubakar — 954
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari — 3,430
Rabiu Kwankwaso — 974
Sam Nda-Isaiah — 10
Rochas Okorocha — 624
Atiku’s Concession Speech:
Congratulations, General Muhammadu Buhari
Concession Speech by Atiku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Convention and Presidential Primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the Taslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Protocol
I heartily congratulate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari for emerging victorious in this keenly contested presidential primary election of our great Party, the APC. You ran a spirited campaign, and since the delegates have spoken, you fully deserve 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-Isiah. 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, 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.
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.
Long live APC!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
