By Joseph Edegbo
A group under auspices of Middle-Belt United Assembly (MBUA), has rejected the All Progressives Congress (APC), same faith presidential ticket, warning that it is unacceptable.
The group observed that the pairing of Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu with Sen. Kashim Shettima, all Muslims would create more challenges for Nigeria.
A statement issued by MBUA President, Comrade Moses Mwarga Aji after its emergency meeting in Kaduna, said the group will mobilise against same faith presidential ticket in 2023 to sustain the unity of the country.
The statement noted that, Nigerians irrespective of religion overwhelmingly voted late MKO Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe in 1993 due to mutual understanding and the relative peace enjoyed at that time, which is not same today as the nation is tackling the issue of mistrust, insecurity and division along religious lines.
Comrade Aji, maintained that Nigeria is not Afghanistan or Pakistan as Christians would not be relegated or subdued to become second class citizens.
“Any serious leader must consider unity, peace and stability of Nigeria first before taken a political decision that will jeopardize the oneness of the country”, it emphasized.
Part of the statement read:”Governor Nasir El-Rufai experimented Muslim/Muslim ticket in 2019 election in Kaduna state and there was no reaction. Now, the experiment has moved to the national level which will add more problems to our existing challenges. How can a leader govern a complex country like Nigeria with only people of same religion as President and Vice President where the population of Muslims and Christians are almost same? We will mobilise against same faith ticket in 2023″ Aji said.