A coalition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders, has called for the adoption of Yahaya Bello as running mate to Bola Tinubu, the party’s presidential flagbearer.
Tinubu emerged winner at the APC National Convention and Presidential Primary held last week in Abuja, to clinch the ticket to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 General Elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had given presidential candidates of all the political parties Thursday, as dateline for the submission of names of their running mates.
The coalition made the demand on Tuesday in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
Speaking of behalf of other leaders of the coalition which includes Hon. Abdussalam Haruna, Adekunle Basiru and the National Leader for the coalition, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq has said they were interested in the Kogi State governor because he had demonstrated an untiring resolve in youth development.
According to Sadiq, without the youthful and vibrant Bello at the corridor of power, there was no hope for the youths which constitute the largest percentage of the country’s population.
The National Leader, who listed Bello’s achievements to include youth and women inclusiveness in governance, said for balance and acceptability, the APC must consider the vice presidential candidacy of the governor.
They expressed optimism over the party’s victory at the polls if Bello was picked as Tinubu’s running mate.
The group described Bello as an icon and true representation of democracy.
According to the coalition, the governor’s policies and style of governance, has ensured the growth of the state in the area of security, health care, education and agricultural development.
It specifically lauded Bello over the inclusion of women in his administration, noting that women were holding key positions in his administration.
”No governor in Nigeria has been able to match Bello’s record in women and youths inclusiveness and inclusivity.
”Key positions such as the SSG, the Head of Service and all vice chair persons of all the local councils going to the women in Kogi, deserves everyone’s accolades for Governor Yahaya Bello.
”He has truly demonstrated an uncommon leadership style,” Sadiq said.
According to him, in the area of security, Kogi is one of the safest states in the country which has not recorded cases of violence and crime as is being currently experienced in Nigeria.
”Therefore bringing in Yahaya Bello into federal administration will be a plus for the incoming government of the APC,” the coalition added.