Bola Ahmad Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Nigerians must eschew chauvinism, suppress their divisive dispositions and learn to leave with one another in peace and harmony.
Reacting to the criticism that’s trailed his picking of a Muslim running mate, Tinubu said the structure of Nigeria was laid on the foundation of unity and brotherhood irrespective of tribe and religion.
He spoke this at a town hall meeting of Muslim leaders from Northwest in Kano on Tuesday.
Tinubu stated that Nigeria started on “Though Tribes and Tongues May Differ, In Brotherhood We Stand” in its former National Anthem, and that should continue as a nation.
He explained that it is the enemies of Nigeria that has changed this reality into what goes on today, while promising to carry everyone along based on his ideas that are beneficial to the country and not based on tribe or religion.
Tinubu declared that his vision is that of collaboration, continuity and consistency for the development of Nigeria.
“You represent the spiritual and ethical values of our country and without your guidance, we would not be on the right path.
“Hence we must rededicate ourselves to work harder for the progress and development of our country. We need to be fair and just.
“We must live together as one. It is those who do not mean well for Nigeria that preach division.
“Nigeria started with a National Anthem ‘though tribes and tongue may differ in brotherhood we stand’. They will not succeed and you as religious scholars must resist it.
“I promise to conduct my campaign as I conducted myself while in office. Urge your followers to come out and vote wisely for me,” Tinubu told the Muslim clerics.