Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that democracy has firmly taken root in Nigeria, citing the massive participation of party members in the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress across the country.
Atiku made the declaration on Monday shortly after casting his vote at the Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, during the ADC presidential primary election.
A statement by the Atiku Media Office on Monday, said the primaries were held simultaneously in 8,809 wards across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The former Vice President, who is one of the leading presidential aspirants in the party, arrived the venue from Abuja to a rousing reception by party supporters and faithful who had gathered for the exercise.
Speaking after voting, Atiku said the turnout of party members reflected growing confidence in the democratic process within the ADC.
“The large turnout of voters is a clear indication of how party members are willing to participate in the ADC internal democratic processes,” he said, adding, “I have no doubt that democracy has come to stay.”
The exercise featured three presidential aspirants, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatudeen.
Before the commencement of voting, the returning officer for the election, Hon. Umar Jada, announced that Ajiya Ward had unanimously endorsed the candidature of Atiku Abubakar.
Voting subsequently commenced with the Waziri Adamawa leading a long queue of voters.
At the end of the exercise, 3,220 votes were reportedly cast in favour of the former Vice President.
