2023: Why Southern Governors Voted For Atiku – Shehu Sani Reveals

Senator Shehu Sani, a former legislator, has assured Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike that Southern governors did not abandon him following the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Presidential candidate for the 2023 general election.

Sani, who served in the 8th National Assembly as a member of Kaduna Central, believes the Southern Governors only went beyond the primaries and chose a formidable candidate who could overcome northern feeling, mobilize votes, and win the general elections.

On Saturday, Atiku emerged as the PDP’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general election.

Atiku received 371 votes to surpass his nearest rival, Wike, who received 237 votes.

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, scored 70; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, scored 38; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, polled 20 votes; Anyim Pius Anyim scored 14, Sam Ohabunwa polled 1 and Olivia Tariela also scored one vote.

However, in a tweet via his Twitter handle on Tuesday, Sani wrote: “I don’t think the Southern Governors betrayed Wike; they simply looked beyond the primaries and opted for a formidable aspirant who can overcome northern sentiment, mobilise voters and ultimately win the general elections.

“Wike remains an indispensable force for the battle ahead.”