Christian clerics under the aegis of the Pastors Council of Northern Nigeria yesterday in Kaduna applauded the choice of Prof. Yemi Osibajo as running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.).

The clerics said that Osibajo, a former Attorney-General of Lagos under ex-governor Bola Tinubu, possesses all leadership qualities, thus making his choice a welcome one.

They, however, warned against any manipulation of Nigerians by politicians, using religion or ethnicity, saying that campaigns must be issue-based.

Convener of the Council, Pastor Bulus Yahaya, while addressing journalists in Kaduna said they unanimously agreed that Osibajo’s choice heralds hope for a new Nigeria in view of his experience in public and private sectors and also being a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Yahaya advised Nigerians to insist that the best leadership should emerge out of the 2015 general elections and that the polls should never be allowed to be manipulated in any way by politicians.

He said: “We are happy and satisfied to no end that our colleague, Pastor Osibajo, was chosen as running mate to a presidential candidate in one of the political parties.

“The integrity, intelligence, humility, fear of God and dedication of Pastor Osibajo to the cause of a better Nigeria is a clear identity he carries as a breastplate and it is not in doubt that it is a wise decision.

“With this development, it is a good omen and taking Nigeria’s democracy to greater height in view of quality and positive credence to our struggling democracy. His credentials are intimidating and clear attestation of hard work, knowledge and of moral standing.

“He is an erudite scholar having excelled as a university don, and also a distinguished lawyer with the privilege rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a successful man of God, being a pastor.”

On the need to achieve successful 2015 general elections, Yahaya urged Nigerians to shun any form of manipulations; just as he asked the political class to run an issue-based campaign devoid of sentiments.

The cleric said: “We are calling on all Nigerians to shun manipulators of religion for political goals, let us vote people on the basis of what they can offer and better the country for common good, peace and stability.

“We must strive hard to run issue base political process, non-combative and free of sentimental campaigns of calumny so that we will at the end of the day get viable leadership at all levels.”

•Photo shows Prof. Osibajo.