Nigeria’s
former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned the country’s main
political parties not to field a presidential ticket with two people of
the same religion.
In a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta, the
former president said, “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.”
Although
Mr. Obasanjo did not mention any political party in his warnings,
observers of the 2015 political intrigues could term it as being
targeted at the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.
Although
the APC has in the past said it was not planning to field such a ticket
as warned by Mr. Obasanjo, the party has been accused of toying with a
Muslim-Muslim ticket. A former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, who
left the party for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, listed such
plans as one of his reasons for leaving.
The main presidential
hopefuls of the APC- Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu
Kwakwanso – are Muslims, while the Lagos State governor, Babatunde
Fashola, also a Muslim, has been touted as a possible running mate. The
party is, however, yet to hold is presidential primaries.
On its
part, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has virtually adopted
President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate; with the president
expected to retain Vice President Namadi Sambo as his running mate. Mr.
Jonathan is a Christian while Mr. Sambo is a Muslim.
In his
warning, Mr. Obasanjo, whose support is being sought for the February
14, 2015 presidential elections by both parties, advised them to be
sensitive to Nigeria’s religious diversity. Over 90 per cent of
Nigeria’s 150 million population are belived to be either Christians or
Muslims.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Obasanjo added that “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 allayed at this point will amount not only to
insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad
politics indeed.”
Credit: Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji/PremiumTimes
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