The All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket has been rejected by no fewer than 500 renowned Christian clerics from the north and leaders of various support organisations.
The organisations warned that if Kassim Shettima is chosen by the ruling party to be Bola Tinubu’s running mate, they will withdraw the backing of millions of their supporters nationwide. They gathered on Tuesday to discuss the involvement of Christians in the APC presidential campaign council.
In a communiqué released at the conclusion of the meeting in Abuja, the leaders of the APC coalition and the Christian community expressed their unhappiness.
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Lucas Bako, Pst. Dauda Yakubu, Pst. Yiguda Augustine, Diconess Jessica Nuhu, Elder Williams Unogwu, Dr. Theodore Uji, Pst. Ambas Kelvin, Mr. Haruna Vincent, and Bish Emeka all signed the statement collectively.
They bemoaned the treatment of Christians and asserted that running on the same faith platform in an election poses a national security concern that must be stopped.
“Nigeria has already experienced enough instability and difficulties, and causing even more insecurity and difficulties there should trouble every well-meaning and concerned Nigerian,” they declared.
“We comprehend that the justification for opposing the APC’s Muslim vice presidential candidate with a Northern Christian is that doing so is no longer feasible. However, we definitely disagree and assert that the APC can implement the reform if they have Nigeria’s best interests at heart.
“To remedy this, a few initiatives that, individually or combined, will result in the APC not fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket but a Muslim-Christian ticket—which, of course, should be the standard—instead of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, must be adopted.
“The APC leadership should see to it that the vice presidential nominee resigns right away. He should be required to formally write to INEC to inform them of his withdrawal from the contest, as specified in the new electoral amendment law.
The party’s leadership is required to officially inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the vice presidential candidate’s withdrawal from the race in a letter. This will make it possible for the party’s vice presidential candidate to be replaced without incident.
According to the new electoral act, a candidate who is chosen as a party’s flag bearer in the primary election for any position may surrender his interest and withdraw from the race by notifying INEC no later than 90 days before the election. If elected party candidates are allowed to run throughout this window time, how much more should its surrogates?
“Finding a replacement for Kashim Shetima shouldn’t be difficult if the APC can identify a capable northern Christian to head up its 2023 general election campaign. APC should consider the numerous skilled northern Christians who have been a part of the party from its founding and since it has taken control of the country’s national leadership.
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“Ignoring these complaints over the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket for the upcoming election in 2023 could foster further animosity and cost the party its anticipated victory.
“There is already resentment for the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket among Christians throughout the nation, not just those in the North. Without a question, the APC has done its best to ensure effective leadership of the nation by working to make Nigeria better. However, it should be highlighted that the APC’s efforts to improve Nigeria will be sustained if it remains in the national leadership of Nigeria in 2023.
