By Emmanuel Nduka
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has revealed the real reason he withdrew from the presidential primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a move that eventually paved way for the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential flag bearer.
Speaking on the matter for the first time since the outcome of the primaries, Tambuwal stated that he stepped down for Atiku in the interest of Nigerians and the country in general.
He disclosed this on Saturday while addressing a crowd who welcomed him back at the State Government House, adding that he supported Atiku in order to strengthen the PDP and the country’s democracy.
“Thank you very much our leaders and distinguished supporters from all over the country for your support and cooperation. I must thank the leaders of our party here at Sokoto State level and every level.
“What we have done is for the good of our party and the country. I appreciate everyone of you that prayed for me and our party. The sacrifice that I have made on your behalf is aimed at strengthening our party, our democracy, and, by the grace of God, soft landing our polity.
“This is in consonance with the teachings of our leaders and the [emulation] of the examples they have given to us in the past: that we must continue to make sacrifices for the good of all of us and our country.
“I thank the people of Sokoto State and all my supporters across the country for their support. Rest assured, we shall work assiduously for the victory of our party come 2023 general election,” Tambuwal stated.
Tambuwal had stepped down from the contest just as voting began, and reportedly instructed his supporters among the delegates to channel their support for him to Atiku’s candidacy.