Following the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has begun the process of becoming the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Sokoto South.
Tambuwal, who was key in Atiku’s election as the PDP’s presidential candidate, has abruptly withdrew and endorsed the former Vice President’s presidential bid.
On Saturday night, Atiku defeated Nyesom Wike, his closest challenger, in the presidential primary of the largest opposition party.
371 delegates voted for Atiku, while 237 delegates voted for Wike.
Atiku Abubakar received 371 votes, Nyesom Wike 237 votes, Bukola Saraki 70 votes, Udom Emmanuel 38 votes, Balla Mohammed 20 votes, Pius Anyim 14 votes, Sam Ohabunwa 1 vote, and Olivia Tariela 1 vote. There were a total of 12 invalid votes.
Tambuwal, whose second term as governor expires next year, has finalized arrangements to replace Aminu Bodinga (who was elected unchallenged) as the party’s candidate for Sokoto South in the national assembly election.
According to sources close to the Sokoto State government, Tambuwal asked Bodinga, a former commissioner, to act as his proxy.
“Wasn’t it remarkable that Aminu Bala Bodinga was the lone candidate for the seat?” “When they found out that His Excellency had a plan B, all the other contestants refused to acquire the form,” a PDP chieftain from Shagari Local Government claimed.
He claimed Tambuwal enlisted the cooperation of the former commissioner to carry out his plan since Bodinga is one of his most ardent supporters, and that cabinet members are aware of it.
“They’re good friends, and no one understands how deep their bond goes,” he remarked.
He revealed that Bodinga will inform the PDP of his plans to resign, paving the way for Tambuwal to take his place.
When asked about the arrangement by Premium Times, governor Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Muhammadu Bello, stated he was unaware of it.
“I don’t know,” he replied succinctly.
