Alhaji Sa’idu Umar, former Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket to contest 2023 election.
This development followed the withdrawal of four other aspirants and affirmation vote conducted by 695 out of 755 delegates on Wednesday in Sokoto.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aspirants, who withdraw from the race, included the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Munir Dan’iya and Bello Goronyo, the PDP Chairman in the state.
Others are Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, the former deputy governor of the state and former Commissioner for Environment Alhaji Sagir Bafarawa.
The affirmation was conducted under the supervision of the committee from the PDP National Headquarters chaired by Dr. Tom Zakari and INEC officials as observers.
Announcing the outcome of the affirmation, Zakari said the winner scored 695 votes and the remaining were voided.
“ I therefore declare Alhaji Sa’idu Umar as the winner and flag bearer of the Sokoto PDP governorship position for the coming 2023 election,” he said.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of the state commended the aspirants for their understanding and commitment to the unity of the party.
“Your sacrifices for the unity of our great party is a pointer that will lead to our success throughout the 2023 general elections.
“I believe doing so will give a room for the best opportunity of ensuring continuity in the task ahead of us,” he said.
Tambuwal further disclosed that the consensus arrangement had adopted one of the withdrawn aspirant, Sagir Bafarawa for the office of Deputy Governor position, while his incumbent Deputy Dan’iya will be replaced to contest for Sokoto North Senatorial seat.
In his acceptance speech, Umar assured that he would work in collaboration with all members of the party for the best of the state.
“I will continue to work hard for the success of PDP throughout the 2023 general elections and continue to remain loyal to all party’s decisions.
“More so, with the current development I want to assure you all that we will continue to work together in the direction and in compliance with the present administration for the best of our state,” he said.
NAN reports that the situation triggered widespread reaction from the PDP loyalists at the venue of the exercise as groups chanted different songs, opposing the decision and booed Gov. Tambuwal’s motorcade. (NAN)
