By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Following the victory of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa as presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday’s PDP convention in Abuja, reactions are beginning to pour in.

Chief Bode George, elder statesman and member PDP Board of Trustees was emphatic when he said Atiku’s choice was a good one.

Chief Bode George said Nigeria, at the moment needs one who can heal the nation and that Atiku is capable of doing so.

He said the PDP needed to return to heal Nigeria.

“As father to all, I didn’t need to say who should win or not win, whoever emerged from this process should be fully supported to get there, that is what Nigeria needs now.

“We have to win the presidency to come back and heal Nigeria of poverty, hunger, disunity, nepotism and our near total collapse occasioned by the APC administration,” he stated.

Continuing, he said the process was transparent, clean, and clear and that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerging from the process was a good one, but that: “The remaining job is for all of us to work for his success, for our success and let the party get the ultimate victory and Nigeria will be better for it.”

Another reaction was from a party chieftain from Edo State, Senator Ehigie Uzamere.
Uzamere said they have crossed the first huddle, there is “one more river to cross.”
He said the choice of Atiku has set the ball rolling, but that it was not yet time to jubilate, “as we have one more river to cross on our way to bringing Nigeria back to reckoning.”

“Today, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa, emerged the standard bearer of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) for next year’s presidential election.

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“It was a keenly-contested election and I congratulate all contestants. It takes grit and courage to aspire to lead.

“This first river is already crossed, it is now time for us as a party to come together for the task ahead. It is not for nothing that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar refers to himself as a unifier. I have no iota of doubt that he will, together with executives of our party, steer us to success next year.”

Sen. Uzamere implored all who contested in the last Saturday’s primary election, to come together and join hands with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to rebuild Nigeria. “We are all winners, as we have a great redemptive task ahead.”
He, however, noted: “We must bear in mind that Nigerians will be impatient with the next administration as they’re eagerly looking forward to good quality life. Together, we can make a positive difference.”
For Hon. Yemi Arokodare, Member, House of Representatives from 2003 – 2007, Governor Aminu Tambuwal deserves the praise for the emergence of the Wazirin Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“I Congratule Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal who made an immense sacrifice deserves commendation.

“There comes a time when great leaders must learn how to make exceptional sacrifices in the interest of the people, the country and humanity.

“Though painful and difficult for us, his ardent supporters, we wholeheartedly commend the leadership and sacrifice of His Excellency, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Mutawallen Sokoto, for acting in the overall interest of the country.

“We firmly believe that history and posterity will be kind to Tambuwal. For those who understand the vision of tomorrow, he has earned the leadership of the country and time will tell.

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“We sincerely hope that this unparalleled sacrifice will unite the party and translate into an outstanding victory for the PDP in 2023. Indeed, Tambuwal is the undisputable game changer.

“Congratulations to Nigerians.”
However, another reaction came from the ruling party, the main rival for the 2023 presidential election, the All Progressives Party, APC.
The reaction came from one time pally and ally in the 2015 presidential election that saw to the defeat of the incumbent.

National leader and leading contender in the ruling APC, Bola Tinubu while congratulating Alhaji Atiku Abubakar challenged him that he and his party, the PDP would have to explain to Nigerians why they should give him another chance when they squandered 16 years at the federal level “without much to show.”

This was communicated in the statement he issued through the Director of Media and Communications of his campaign organisation, Bayo Onanuga.