Sokoto state governor and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has revealed real reasons he stepped down for his then opponent, Atiku Abubakar.
The revelation is coming amidst inquiries by his cross-country supporters and other Nigerians on why he stepped down few minutes to primary election.
Tambuwal, who spoke through the spokesperson of his campaign council, Prince Daniel in a statement, said was borne out of deep love for Nigeria and the party in particular.
He also said that the decision was taken with patriotism at heart, while putting Nigeria and the PDP ahead of personal aspiration, “which we reiterated was inferior to the interest of the nation.”
Hear Tambuwal
“Gov. Tambuwal’s decision to withdraw from the race even though he was most favoured to clinch the ticket was borne out of deep love for Nigeria and the party in particular.
“To our teeming supporters we want you to know that we took this decision with patriotism at heart, putting our dear country Nigeria and our party the PDP ahead of our personal aspiration which we reiterated was inferior to the interest of the nation.
“However, to ensure victory at the polls as the PDP prepares to defeat the APC in the forthcoming general elections come February 2023, he urges Atiku to run an inclusive campaign that will unite the party and the country.
“His Excellency also wishes to sincerely thank the Chairman of his campaign council for an exemplary leadership, the entire team and all Delegates as well as his teeming supporters across the country for their unrelenting support before, during and after the convention.
“He prays for God’s guidance and victory for the PDP as the party goes to work to rescue Nigeria from years of mis-governance by the APC led administration,” he said.
Accolades
A day after the convention, the PDP chairman, Iyiorchia Ayu, Atiku Abubakar and other party leaders, paid visit to Tambuwal where the party chairman described Tambuwal as the Hero of the Convention.
Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) commended Tambuwal for the decision.
Its U.K. Director and Diaspora Strategies, Mr Ade Adeshina said the Sokoto state governor’s gesture would not go unnoticed in the political development of Nigeria. Read APC’s commendation here.
