The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Plateau, Nenta Yilwatda has promised to promote humanity above religion and ethnicity if elected governor in 2023.

Mr Yilwatda made the pledge on Monday in Rukuba during a tour to APC stakeholders in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

“Humanity is above religion, humanity is above tribe,” he said. “If you vote for me, I will not promote religion or ethnicity above humanity.”

The governorship candidate said religion and ethnicity were the key inhibitors of the nation’s unity and progress.

“They are the key killers of our system, and if I have the opportunity, I will relegate them if I can’t do away with them completely,” he said.

He stated that he would do everything within his power to unite the Plateau people and ensure they stuck together despite their religious, ethnic and political differences.

Mr Yilwatda further said the state would benefit immensely if the people united and collectively harnessed its potential.

The speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Yakubu Sanda, said the visit was not for a campaign but to thank the people.

Mr Sanda said Bassa was in dire need of many amenities, with the most pressing at the moment being the road linking the local government headquarters with the state capital.

The speaker expressed optimism that when elected, Mr Yilwatda would fix the deplorable road.

The director-general, Nentate Yilwatda Campaign Organisation, Sabastian Maimako, described Bassa as the stronghold of the APC.

Mr Maimako, the immediate past vice chancellor of the f University of Jos, expressed confidence that the people would elect all APC candidates.

Plateau APC chairman, Rufus Bature, described Bassa as three local governments because of its landmass and economic potential.

(NAN)