A political group, Coalition for Peace and Progress, has advocated for the nomination of former House of Representatives speaker, Yakubu Dogara, as running mate for the APC presidential flag bearer, Bola Tinubu.

Addressing a news conference on Saturday in Kaduna, the Coalition’s national coordinator, Muhammad Chindo, said that in keeping with the tradition of democracy, lots of lobbying and search were ongoing to pick a capable and acceptable running mate for Mr Tinubu.

“After a thorough, painstaking search and our avowed commitment and dedication to the noble cause of ensuring a united Nigeria, we unanimously conclude the most suitable to hold the position of the Vice President under the APC is Yakubu Dogara,” Mr Chindo said.

He said that considering the diverse nature of Nigeria and the need to ensure a sense of fairness and belonging, the person to be picked as presidential running mate must be someone who has the required qualities and political experience.

“Above all, it is imperative that the future Vice President must be a Christian who could transcend primordial sentiments bordering on religion and the twin evils of tribalism and sectionalism in the country, which Dogara is most appropriate,” he said.

Describing Mr Dogara as a good Christian who would promote the cause of unity and togetherness among the diverse and heterogeneous citizens of Nigeria, Mr Chindo said he was a viable candidate to run together with the APC’s presidential flag bearer.

He noted that the office of the vice president of Nigeria required a humble, loyal and trustworthy individual who would give the necessary constant support and encouragement to the President at all times.

“It is on record that Dogara has always been a reliable fellow in his dealings with others, especially on matters of State and National interests.

“Throughout his tenure at the National Assembly, it was such noble qualities he exhibited that made him to be legendary and unique for all time to come,” Mr Chindo said.

He said before they arrived at Mr Dogara as the running mate to Mr Tinubu, the coalition had considered his membership of the House of Representatives and Speaker of the House from 2007, where he voluntarily agreed to step down.

(NAN)