The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has urged the electorate to shun politics of ethno-religious and regional sentiments and vote for credible candidates in the 2023 general elections.

Jamilu Charanchi, the national coordinator of CNG, made the call at the ‘North-Central 2023 Election Sensitisation and Awareness Conference’, organised by CNG on Monday in Lokoja.

Mr Charanchi advised the electorate, especially the youth, to avoid politics of ethnic and religious sentiments, describing it “as a critical factor militating against development and democracy in Nigeria.”

He emphasised the need for the electorate to scrutinise each candidate’s political antecedents and pedigree in the presidential election and elect the right person, irrespective of ethnic, religious and regional affiliation.

“We must come up with prescriptions to the growing ills of ethnic and religious intolerance in our region and the nation at large. The future of our nation depends on a new climate of tolerance and understanding of our various ethnic and religious differences,” Mr Charanchi explained. “We must cultivate, preach and promote it. We must practise it. It must take our collective commitment as a people and as a region in the service of Nigeria.”

He urged the electorate to map out their needs and refuse to be deceived by politicians who make empty promises.

The CNG coordinator further stressed that voters should look for credible candidates with proven pedigrees, honesty, a sense of nationalism and a sound understanding of the country’s current challenges.

“We must never again allow religious, regional or ethnic sentiments to becloud our senses of reasoning in the choice of those who lead us into the future,” added Mr Charanchi. “We should rather place competence, capacity and integrity above every other secondary consideration.” 

(NAN)