Bala Mohammed shrugs off defeat, says plan with Atiku

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has shrugged off his woeful defeat at the Saturday presidential primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mohammed scored the least votes (20) among the aspirants. Former vice president Atiku Abubakar won the primaries, with Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike trailing behind him.

In his message, Mohammed described Atiku as his “elder brother and leader”.

“I congratulate my elder brother and leader, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, GCON, on his emergence as the presidential flag bearer of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Phase 1 is concluded. The next phase will require that we unite and work together to take back power and rebuild/restore Nigeria. Once again, hearty congratulations, Your Excellency, ” Mohammed said.

Prior to Atiku’s emergence, Mohammed had refused entreaties to step down his candidacy. Atiku’s win has been attributed largely to the decision by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal to withdraw from the race.

After his withdrawal, Tambuwal directed his supporters to vote Atiku.