Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday warned the country’s political parties against fielding what he called Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket.
Obasanjo said this will be dangerous and sensitive.
He said this is not only “insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed”.
Obasanjo, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said Nigeria was too religion conscious and sensitive for that arrangement.
He said in the statement: “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust.
“It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.
“Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamization or Christianization.
“The idea of proselytization in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.
“Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allowed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed.”
There have been concern over the All Progressives Congress fielding a Muslim-Muslim candidate for next year’s presidential election.
A former Head of State, General MUhammadu Buhari, is being touted as the party’s presidential candidate, with his running mate as the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola.
Both of them are Muslims.
Buhari heightened the fear over the weekend when he said he was not opposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the presidential race.
The basis for this proposal has always been traced to the 1993 presidential election when business mogul, late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a Muslim, had another Muslim, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, as his running mate.
They won the election then, which was annulled by the regime of military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
Trending
- Ribadu slams Canada for denying military chiefs visa
- 2Face proposes to Edo lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru + Video
- Passengers aboard Air Peace London-Lagos flight arrested
- Breaking: National Assembly passes N54.99t 2025 Budget
- Judge adjourns proceedings in N228.4m forfeiture case against ex-Abia governor
- How agency banking is transforming financial access in developing countries, by Mxolisi Msutwana
- Worship For Change impacts thousands of children with special needs, donates N36.7m to six charities
- Tragedy as truck crushes female student to death in Bauchi