Abubakar emerged as the candidate at the National Convention of the party on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The votes, which were counted by the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, and the Governor of Delta State, who also doubled as the Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Ifeanyi Okowa, saw Abubakar leading with over 700 votes as at press time, with counting still on.
Abubakar’s closest rival was the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, who scored 693 votes.
Coming a distant third was the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Other contestants were former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, 19 votes; former President of the Senate, David Mark, 35; former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Kabiru Taminu Turaki, 65; and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, 96.
Others were former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, 48; Governor of Bauchi State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, 111; former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, 74; and former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.