No fewer than 1,000 registered civil society organizations and pro-democracy groups converged on Abuja on Tuesday to drum support for Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, seeking to be president in 2023.

The members of the group, on the aegis of Civil Society Think Tank, drawn from various states across the country, described Bello’s leadership skills in Kogi as a model for others to emulate.

Prof. Ahmed Danfulani, former Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, was a guest speaker at the event.

Danfulani spoke on “A glance into Nigeria’s Future and Gov. Yahaya Bello’s developmental politics: 2023 in perspective”.

He said that the time had come for true leadership in Nigeria, which would be all-inclusive, regardless of region, religion, and status.

“Bello’s example in leadership is noteworthy. I see a lot that distinguishes him as a leader of repute in many areas.

“His approach to religion and ethnicity in a state as ethnically and religiously sensitive is one.

“The emphasis on gender sensitivity is also worthy of mention. His approach to addressing the security challenges in the state is also top-notch.

“Bello has set examples that should be amplified and used as a yardstick in assessing candidates that have signified interest in leading this country. This is what I urge all of us to be strategic about,” he said.

Dr. Omale Amedu, a public affairs analyst, said that almost every sphere of societal grouping had, at different times, picked Bello for one reason or another, as “a doyen of exemplary leadership,”.

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He said the support had become imperative because Bello had redefined governance in Kogi with sterling qualities and notable performance.

Also, Dean of Student Affairs, Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba, Dr. Uzah Thomas, noted that the nation needed to learn from the politics of all-inclusiveness and progressive development that “Bello is known for”.