On Tuesday the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, CSN, has warned political parties, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against putting forward a Muslim- Muslim ticket in the upcoming 2023 general elections.
According to CSN, the polarised nature of Nigeria at this point in time no longer permits such a presidency, adding that Nigeria of 30 years ago is not the same as what is obtainable today.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Secretary-General of the organisation, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi, and the Director, Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh.
“…We must not lose sight of the fact that the unity of this country has, over the years, been maintained by a delicate balancing of the religious and the regional,” it said.
The organisation noted that even during military governments most juntas ensured a balance of the religious architecture in their regimes.
They cited instances of Murtala and Olusegun Obasanjo, Obasanjo and Yar’adua, Ibrahim Babangida and Ebitu Ukiwe and Sani Abacha and Oladipo Diya.
According to.CSN, it was only during the General Muhammadu Buhari regime between 1983 and 1985 that Nigeria had a Muslim-Muslim military dictatorship.
“Fast forward to 2022, 30 years later, some individuals have tried to suggest the Muslim-Muslim ticket for the Presidential election in a country like Nigeria that has unfortunately been badly polarized,” the organisation said.
“Ordinarily, there would have been nothing wrong with a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket in a democratic dispensation if there is mutual trust and respect for the human person… “
