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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to shun religious and ethnic division ahead of general elections in 2023.
Amid the outrage that trailed his decision to pick former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, a Muslim, as his running mate, Tinubu said it was time for the people to look beyond religion and ethnicity and focus on building a prosperous nation.
Tinubu, who spoke at the official unveiling of Shettima as his running mate on Wednesday, said: “We hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before.To do this, we must be wise in our thoughts and courageous in our actions.
“We must win this election so that we can bring jobs, eliminate poverty, educate our children, (and) bring up our grandchildren without thinking of religious division or ethnic differences. We are one. Our passport is one; green back is one. One nation, one destiny.”
The APC flagbearer, who is also a former governor of Lagos State, explained that his decision to pick the former governor has nothing to do with personal feelings.
According to the APC flagbearer, the choice of Shettima, who currently represents Borno Central Senatorial District, was borne out of the several consultations he had with various stakeholders in the ruling party.
He noted that the former governor of Borno State shared the same dream of changing Nigeria for the better with him, and choosing him is not to disrespect any religion or ignore the concerns raised by various individuals and groups in the country.
“As a committed and progressive leader, I have read and listened to all that has been written and said. It has been an emotional situation for me. Out of many competent Nigerians and out of many advice, I know it has to be my decision.
“And the hallmark of leadership is taking a decision at the right time when it ought to be taken. I did….I consulted and I am proud to see all of you here acknowledging the quality of our vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima.
“Yet, I remain steadfast in my belief and selection of this man. I believe and I am committed with him to the project, Nigeria. With all the strength and stress that might come with it, we will change this country for the better.
“This chapter in our nation’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach. In selecting Senator Shettima I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice,” he said.
Speaking, Shettima said he wants to represent all Nigerians and wants to see the country fulfill its full potentials.
Shettima noted that he didn’t support Tinubu during the primaries so that he can become the vice presidential candidate, but because he believes he (Tinubu) has what it takes to turn the fortunes of Nigeria around.
“I don’t intend to be the vice president to represent the Islamic community, the Sultan of Sokoto is capable of doing that,” he said.
In his remarks, the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, said Shettima will complement Tonight, adding that they both have records of achievements.
He expressed confidence that the ticket will win the 2023 presidential election.