Abuja – The Chairman, National Convention Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC), Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, has appealed to politicians to shun religious and tribal sentiments to enhance national unity.

Wamakko made the call on Friday while declaring the first National Convention of APC opened in Abuja.

According to him, governance is a collective responsibility of all the multitudes of diverse interests and identities.

“These same factors also engender the principles that leadership of Nigeria is a franchise to which all the sectional, ethnic and religious components of the country have a right.

“This is the reality that we have come to accept, in spite of our diversity and at times, sharply divergent composition.

“This, coming to terms with the facts and realities of our corporate existence, is the foundation for the sustenance of our nation,” Wamakko said.

He said that Nigeria was once again rising above the `bad tides`, through the amalgamation of positives elements from across all sectional, ethnic and religious divides.

“These are men and women in whose hearts those principles, upon which our country was bornand are still firmly anchored.”

He said the national convention of APC was a milestone in a long journey and “an odyssey that sets out to rescue a nation in distress”.

“This convention is, therefore, only the start of true and genuine transformation, which we shall spear-head and with the partnership of all citizens, we shall realise it.”

In his speech a former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, said the formation of the APC was to provide a party that would make an impact on the lives of Nigerians.

Buhari said Nigerians were yearning for a better change that would find a lasting solution to decay in our infrastructure, falling standard of education and lingering securing challenge facing the country.

He noted that the fundamental reason for government was to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of the citizenry and assured Nigerians that the APC was committed to restore peace in the country.

Also speaking, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said the convention would give birth to alternative party for Nigerians who want better health care delivery and employment for the youth.

Abubakar expressed optimism that APC would win presidential and all governorship elections in the country.

– NAN