The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against fielding Muslims as presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates for the 2023 general elections.
This is coming as the Southern-Northern Progressive Youth Congress has endorsed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, as the running mate for Mr Tinubu.
The CAN President, Rev. Samson Supo Ayokunle, gave the warning on Sunday at an Inter-Denominational Church Service to mark 2022 Democracy Day in Abuja, with the theme: “ More than Conquerors”.
Mr Ayokunle, who was represented by the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said it will do Nigeria no good.
According to him, every part of Nigeria and religion has competent people with potential to rule the country.
He said that balancing the ticket from both divides of religions would help to reduce the tension in the country, give everybody a sense of belonging, and promote peaceful and mutual coexistence without stress.
“While we congratulate the winners for the presidential primaries, we urge them to pay attention to this cry from the church. It is important.
“Please do not try a Muslim-Muslim ticket; is an invitation to chaos. It will not fly. It will set the nation against each other,” he said.
Therefore, the group recommended Mr Mustapha, “based on credibility, competence, loyalty to the principles of the party, political advantages when compared with other most likely persons for the V.P slot”.
“It is worldwide known that SGF Boss Mustapha has distinguished himself as the most credible, reliable and competent northern Christian in the corridor of power with immense good rapport from across the North with both Christian folks and Muslims.
“His credentials and credibility have earned him several commendations from his boss, the President, and his effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria have given him a national appeal with a high political support base.
“This and many factors are the reasons why this Group are advocating for APC and the Jagaban Borgu to choose Barr. Boss Mustapha as the best match for an easy 2023 political victory.
“We adjure the leadership of the APC in the country to listen to the voice(s) of reason and do the needful.
“We strongly advise and wish that the APC Presidential candidate, Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, listens to Nigerians. No tree can make a forest.
“No King is King without a Kingdom. And there is no Kingdom without a people. He who must be crowned king must be ready to listen to the people. A stitch in time saves nine.”
