Atiku was chosen as "Northern Candidate", Babangida Loses Northern PDP Race!

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Former Nigerian military dictator, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has lost the race to become the Northern candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).



A team of so-called "Northern wise-men" today chose former Vice president, Atiku Abubakar, from amongst select Northern PDP politicians.

They announced their choice in a statement released at the Shehu Yar'Adua center in Abuja.

Abubakar Atiku's Acceptance Speech

A short while ago, the Consensus Committee of the Northern Elders Political
Forum announced me as the consensus candidate from amongst the four who
submitted themselves to this process to endorse  a candidate to contest the
forthcoming primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  This came after what were obviously wide-ranging and painstaking consultations across the length and breath of this country.

am humbled by this endorsement, and I accept it wholeheartedly, with humility and sense of responsibility.

I commend the Consensus Committee for this endorsement and for their sacrifice, their patriotism, their commitment and their integrity.  They have made an important contribution to the unity and stability of this country.

I am profoundly grateful to the other aspirants who were screened by the
Consensus Committee for their commitment to the consensus process. All three of them, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former National Security Adviser, General Mohamed Aliyu Gusau, and Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State, are eminently qualified for the office of President. Their decision to abide by the decision of the Consensus Committee is a further testimony to their patriotism, honour, service and selflessness.  Nigerians will forever remain grateful to them for their contribution to the peace, unity and stability of this country. I will continue to count on their support in the campaign to win the PDP primaries and the 2011 Presidential election.
I commend Nigerians for their patience, understanding, support and prayers.  I shall need the support of all as I seek the mandate to be the flag-bearer of the PDP in the 2011 Presidential election.

This is a time for sober reflection on the challenges facing our country and the immense opportunities that exist for us to address them.  I hope that the conclusion of this consensus process will mark an end to the divisive politics which our opponents have been promoting. In the days ahead I shall be addressing the press, and will continue to unfold my agenda for providing good governance and building a new Nigeria for all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious or sectarian affiliations.  With your support and prayers we shall make good things happen.

Atiku Abubakar, GCON.

Atiku Picked As "Northern Candidate", Babangida Loses Northern PDP Race!

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