The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal has explained his decision to withdraw from the race for the 2023 PDP presidential ticket and back the eventual winner, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
In a move that shocked many political observers, Tambuwal announced his withdrawal during the party’s special national convention last week.
He also encouraged his supporters to vote for Atiku.
The former vice president eventually won by 371 votes, and his closest challenger and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, picked up 237 votes.
The National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu had commended Tambuwal for his role in the primary, describing him as a “hero”.
Explaining his decision to Sokoto residents after his return from Abuja, Tambuwal said his “sacrifice” was for the good of the party and the nation.
“What we have done is for the good of our party and the country. I appreciate everyone of you that prayed for me and our party.
“The sacrifice that I have made on your behalf is aimed at strengthening our party, our democracy, and; by the grace of God, soft landing our polity.
“This is in consonance with the teachings of our leaders and the emulation of the examples they have given to us in the past: that we must continue to make sacrifice for the good of all of us and our country.
“I thank the people of Sokoto state and all my supporters across the country for their support. Rest assured, we shall work assiduously for the victory of our party come 2023 general elections,” Tambuwal said.