FW: Convention Weekend produces Presidential Nominees
This article is part of our #FirstWord series to provide context on trending news
Nigerians will wake up today knowing which of the nominees for president they will be supporting in the forthcoming elections. This is because most parties, including the governing APC and opposition PDP, finally confirmed their flagbearers in the forthcoming elections.
Atiku wins the PDP ticket
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has won the PDP Presidential Primary. The party convention, held in Port Harcourt over the weekend, saw 13 aspirants seek the right to lead the opposition against incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 polls. Notable aspirants included Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Senate President Bukola Saraki, who finished second and third in the polls, and other former Governors, Ministers and Senators. However, Atiku emerged victorious during the vote counting on Sunday morning, and initial indications point to a united front among the candidates to support the party's nominee.
Other Candidates Emerge
Several other Nigerians confirmed rumored campaigns, or revealed platforms for the actualization of their campaigns. Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke will be the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sahara Reporters Publisher Omoyele Sowore will fly the flag of the African Action Congress (AAC), and former Education Minister and Bring Back Our Girls campaigner (BBOG) Oby Ezekwesili declared her candidacy and revealed she would run under the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) ticket.
Road to Feb 16
While posters are being created and slogans tested out, campaigning only officially begins on November 18th. It means between then and February 16th, plans might be made for a presidential debate between the candidates most adjudged to have a chance at the presidency. There will also be the drama of campaign mishaps, as well as promises made. For the PDP's nominee, Atiku will also have to name a running mate, and speculation is rife about who will be appointed.
However, the road to the 2019 Elections is a long-winded one that definitely has more surprises in store.
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