Atiku Abubakar, a serial presidential candidate, emerged the flag-bearer of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in the coming 2023 general elections.
Atiku’s emergence was virtually sealed following the withdrawal of Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal from the race on the night, who went on to ask his supporters to vote for Atiku.
The former customs officer scored 371 votes to beat his closest rival Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers who polled 237 votes, with former Senate President Bukola Saraki making up the top three with 70 votes.
Atiku Abubakar attended Jahad Primary School in Jada in 1960, and his secondary school at Adamawa Provincial Secondary School in Yola. He furthered his education even after so many struggles of life, and completed a Diploma in Law programme in June 1969.
The embattled Nigerian politician served as the 2nd elected Vice-President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, as a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The business tycoon, who was born on November 25 in 1946, is a retired officer of the Nigerian Customs Service.
He birthed Adama Beverages Limited, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN), both in Yola.
Atiku Abubakar’s father (Garba Abdulkadir) wanted him to become an Islamic scholar, herdsman, farmer and trader – just like him. Contrary to his father’s dream, he became a Nigerian politician instead.
His recent feat will be the sixth time the 75-year-old is eyeing the nation’s top job. Since his entry into politics in 1992, Atiku Abubakar has unsuccessfully contested five times for the Office of President of Nigeria in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
Atiku is married to Titi Abubakar, as well as Rukayat, Fatima and Jennifer, amounting to four wives and has 27 children.