Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to avoid instigators trying to sow division across ethnic and religious lines in the country.
Atiku, in his Easter message posted on Twitter on Saturday, urged citizens to “collectively own our problems and collectively find solutions to overcome them”.
Following the February 25 presidential election won by the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, online discussion has been laced with ethnic slurs as supporters of different contenders in the election continue to engage in heated debates.
But while addressing the situation, Atiku appealed to “leaders at all levels” to “come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us”.
The PDP flagbearer added that Nigerians must constantly ensure the unity of the country, saying it is the only way “we can thrive as a people”.
He said, “This weekend, we join our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria and across the world to commemorate the Easter festivities.
“This commemoration is a time for deep reflection as it marks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his victory over death. It is a time to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.
“It is also a time for all of us — regardless of faith or ethnicity — to come together to pray for the peace of our nation. We must all remain constant in our efforts to promote unity — across all lines — because united, our nation remains stronger, and we can thrive as a people.
“Our shared experiences bring us to the conclusion that no matter what the forces of evil can do, we, as Nigerians, united in doing good, can and shall prevail.
“Our leaders at all levels should follow the virtues that define this season—sacrifice, love, and charity—and come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us.
“We must not allow those who seek to divide us to pretend as if our problems are a result of another ethnic or religious group. We must collectively own our problems and collectively find solutions to overcome them.”
Atiku, who came second in the presidential election, has filed a petition to challenge the results of the poll.