Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and now the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Presidential election has sent a strong message to the All Progressives Congress (APC): Pack and go because PDP is taking over in 2023 to unite the country you have disunited.

Atiku while delivering his acceptance speech said APC has divided Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines, adding that he is leading the PDP as a unifier to make the country one and redirect her to the path of greatness.

He urged all aggrieved members of the PDP to return to the party, assuring them that he and the leadership of the party would work towards addressing their grievances.

He said: “Today, the march to rebuild and unite our great country moves forward. I am honoured to be named the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. I look forward to speaking with Nigerians across the country, taking the message of hope and unity as we build one future for one people.”

Atiku on Saturday in Abuja emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for 2023 presidential election.

He scored 371 votes to emerge as the party flagbearer defeating his closest challenger, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, who polled 237 votes.

Sen. David Mark, the Chairman and Chief Retuning Officer of the PDP Special Convention, announcing the results, said total number of accredited delegates was 767, the total number of votes cast was 763, while 13 were invalid votes.

Mark said that “Abubakar haven scored the highest votes in the election is hereby declared the winner”.

He also announced the votes scored by other aspirants as Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom – 38 votes, and Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State – 20 votes.

Former President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki – 70 votes; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim – 14 votes.

The only female Aspirant, Mrs Tari Oliver, and the former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Samuel Ohuabunwa scored one vote each.

Other aspirants without vote included former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; the Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu; former Speaker of Abia State, Chikwendu Kalu; and former Deputy Speaker of Abia State, Cosmos Ndekwe.