Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to always promote issues that enhanced peace and unity and not allow primordial sentiments to continue to cause divisions.
The governor gave the advice when he addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
He was reacting to on-going debate on who becomes the running mate of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Our flag bearer, Bola Tinubu is an astute politician that knows the game very well and he knows how to win a contest especially at this level.
“I am confident that the president, Tinubu, leaders and elders of the APC will come up with a vice-presidential candidate who will sell the party and ensure its victory.
“Whether Muslim-Muslim ticket or a Christian from the Northeast or from wherever, I am confident that the party will come up with someone who will concretise the victory we are envisaging.
“Whether a Muslim or a Christian, we are all Nigerians. It has been long that I have been advocating that we should de-emphasise what divides us and dwell on what unite us more,’’ he said.
According to the governor, merit is fundamental to the emergence of leaders at all levels.
He said certain challenges confronting the nation could be resolved by people who have the experience and the will to address them.
Bello thanked his supporters, especially youths, women and people living with disabilities, who urged him to aspire for the number one seat in the country.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate Nigerians especially youths, women, people living with disabilities, and all the various groups and organisations who have given me support so far.
“I thank you and I doff my hat for you for giving me this courage. I did not lead you astray, and I will never lead you astray. I completed the cycle.
“I started the journey and I ended it well. Please let us support our party, the APC,” Bello stressed.