A gale of withdrawals and stepping down heralded actual voting by delegates at the APC special convention in Abuja with no fewer than nine aspirants withdrawing from the race to become APC standard bearer.

Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Kayode Fayemi, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Gov. Mohammed Badaru of Jigawa and Dimeji Bankole all stepping down for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Mr Felix Nicholas and the only woman in the race, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye both stepped down for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, also stepped down from the race, citing injustice to the South east.

Other aspirants from the south east namely Ogbonnaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha, Dave Umahi, Emeka Nwajiuba stood their ground and insisted on going into the race.

Onu in his remarks provoked emotions bordering on equity, fairness and justice, making a strong case for zoning of the ticket to south east.

With the withdrawals, it came down to a straight contest between Tinubu and Osinbajo.