The Christian Association of Nigeria has declared that the association will not support a presidential race that presents two Muslims for the 2023 Presidential elections. They warned that such a combination is not reflective of our religious diversity and could consequently lead to the country’s collapse.
Conversely, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NSCIA led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Abubakar III, responded that Muslims are praying for competent leaders and that factor rather than religion, is the focus.
Abdulmumin Jibrin, the Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group, corroborated the Islamic Council, asserting that no brows will be raised if Tinubu chose a Muslim to run with him, maintaining that ethnic and religious considerations are secondary to Nigerians.
The Spokesman for the CAN President, Rev. Bayo Oladeji, elaborated CAN’s stance to newsmen. According to him, a ticket with two Muslims will surge religious agitations to levels that can result in a national tumult. Remarkably, the Reverend stated that CAN will not support a presidential race with Christians as running mates.
“Politicians can talk politics but we have stated our view. Any party that tries a Muslim/Muslim ticket or Christian/Christian ticket will fail. This is not 1993. Even when we have joint Muslim/Christians, the church still goes through hell.”
He stressed that the constitution promotes a balance in religion, hinting that the Christian persecution in Nigeria will radically upscale if no Christian is represented in the foremost governing offices of the nation.
“Only God knows the number of Christians that have been killed. Imagine how bad it will be if we have two Muslims in power? The constitution promotes religious balance. So, if they want to try a Muslim/Muslim ticket, let them try it. But we will not respond to faceless people. Let any political party or the government try it then they will know that Christians are not second-hand citizens of Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the NSCIA maintained that the leadership positions in Nigeria are to be filled with effective hands, and this, he noted, would be the prayers of Muslims
“Consequently, both the NSCIA and the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria who, in thought and practice, draw instructions from the Holy Qur’an, have absolute trust that Almighty Allah has the limitless capacity, to bring to power or deny power, in line with the above Qur’anic injunction, to whomsoever He wills.
“As Muslims, therefore, we have no choice but to continue to supplicate to Allah to grant that only Nigerians who possess the requisite capacity, integrity, sagacity, empathy, positive attitude, passion, administrative acumen, zeal for selfless service, etc., shall eventually triumph at both their respective party primaries and subsequent general elections, at all tiers of government in Nigeria.”
He said the NSCIA would continue to lend its voice to calls for all Nigerians, including political, religious, traditional, and civil society organisations, to eschew religious politics and politicisation of religion, subtly or manifestly, in Nigeria, to avoid the dire consequences.
