Emmanuel Bwacha, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Taraba and senator representing Taraba South, says Nigerians want strong leadership, not religious leaning, in the presidency.

Mr Bwacha told journalists this on Sunday. He urged APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu to pick his running mate without focusing on religion.

“I want to make clear that what Nigerians want is good leadership, that the religion we are bringing into politics must be de-emphasised, and that Nigerians are sick and tired of these emotions,” the senator from Taraba said. “Rather than emphasising religion, let us focus on strong leadership and credible persons who can put a smile on our faces.”

He pointed out that “if you find someone preaching religion, he is the same person you find stealing your wealth and committing all kinds of atrocities in your back yard.”

Mr Bwacha further urged people to practise religion through practical living, not what they say.

“Let your practical living reflect your religious ideas rather than deceiving people with our lips,” said the APC stakeholder. “Only credible leadership can solve the country’s insecurity, and if we’re serious about it, it should appear in our decisions and policies that we’re working together to create our country.”

He expressed confidence that APC would succeed in the forthcoming general elections at the national and state levels.