The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged religious leaders in the country to champion the cause of justice that would deepen national unity and advance democracy ahead of the 2023 general election.

Tinubu also urged the religious leaders to desist from efforts by some politicians to substitute sentiments with competence in the run-off to the election.

The APC presidential flag-bearer said his government, if elected as president in the next month’s general election, would work with the religious leaders toward a lasting solution to the almajiri challenge, adding that the election is a continuation of the struggle for fairness, progress, and hope.

According to a statement issued by his media office on Monday, Tinubu made the promise while speaking at a town hall meeting with Muslim leaders from the North-East in Bauchi State on Sunday night.

“Our scriptures demand justice of us as believers. May we always honour that demand.

“That principle of fairness and justice also requires that leadership of society should be based on the quality of one’s ideas, character and accomplishments, rather than on traits unrelated to the ability to lead and govern justly, honestly.

“The recorded history of our faith shows how our Noble Prophet led a plural community. He did not confer special advantage to his own tribe, or clan.

“In many instances, he placed others ahead of his own relatives. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has set a golden example for us,” he said.

Tinubu stated that leaders of faith must act as pillars of unity, rather than agents of division, adding: “Afraid they cannot win fairly at the ballot, desperate politicians are bent on recruiting otherwise eminent persons to preach hatred against discord. They want servants of God like yourselves to turn against your own convictions. They want you to preach division and stir negative sentiments.

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“Please resist these evil-doers and their unholy messages. They seek to enter office by fouling the nation. Too much is at stake to allow such tricks to succeed.

“My request is a simple and fair one. Please focus on a candidate’s record of performance and the quality of his policies.”

The former governor of Lagos State said the forthcoming general election should not be viewed in isolation, but as “a continuation of a noble quest and an unjust, unenlightened challenge to that quest”.

Tinubu said the APC was established to provide progressive good governance in Nigeria and to reshape Nigeria into a more compassionate, just, and prosperous home for the citizens “whether they be rich or poor, famous or unknown, Muslim or Christian”.

Tinubu stated that progress has been made despite challenges and the push-pull effects in the country.

“Terrorists have been pushed back. People have returned to their homes. Farmers are more productive. Though this government has less money at its disposal, it has cared for the poor better than any prior administration.

“We have struggled to place the economy on more solid ground so that we no longer only rely on exporting natural resources but that we gainfully employ more of our people in making things that improve the quality of life for all.

“We have sought to revive the ethical fiber of the nation and to reaffirm the high moral quality of our national purpose.

“As such, I do not see this campaign as one of personal ambition. I campaign to serve a greater purpose. I campaign to do great things for the nation but not for myself.

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“No matter how hard and difficult the opposition stands against our just cause, we will not relent in our pursuit of a better, more tolerant, and good united nation. And with the help of Almighty Allah, we know good shall prevail,” he added.

Tinubu further enjoined the religious leaders to urge their followers to vote wisely, saying: “May they vote for the candidate who truly has a vision for a more peaceful, more prosperous Nigeria.

“Let them elect someone who has demonstrated the capacity to deliver that brighter future.

“If elected, my highest priorities shall be the protection of our land and prosperity of its people.  Security and economic progress will form the fulcrum of my government.”

He, however, promised to build on the progress made by the current administration by putting an end to terror, kidnapping, and violent crime in Nigeria.

Some of the religious leaders who spoke at the meeting included the representative of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Dr. Bashir Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi; the Secretary Council of Ulama JIBWIS, Shiekh Dr. Gambo Kyari; and the representative of chairman JIBWIS Bauchi, Sheikh Salihu Sulaiman Ningi.

Participants at the meeting pledged to support Tinubu and urged him to be just to all Nigerians if elected as president.

Others at the event were the APC’s vice-presidential candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; among others.

The Star