The 2023 presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party, Mr Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) has chosen his running mate, a politician and Muslim, from Borno State; a northern region of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima. This recent development has generated outrage and agitations from some quarters, as many described his selection as “an unfortunate development” and “a danger to the collective wellbeing and unity of the country.”

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong to field a same-religion presidential joint ticket. Nothing wrong with it! However, the emergence of a Muslim-Muslim ticket is bad timing and lacks inclusion.

If the basic amenities; safe drinking water, sanitation, housing, all weather road to village, electrification, fuel, security, connectivity, healthcare centre, school, playground and recreational facilities and many more, were provided irrespective of region or religion, Nigerians will not bother about religious heterogeneity or zoning, but solely on competence, so as to continue to enjoy a working economy. But as it stands, the bad governance, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, lack of proper education, insecurity, religious war, suspicion, distrust and more, has made a mere issue of religion, one that carries a gigantic weight more than how to salvage Nigeria; competence in governance above religious sentiment, because the country is rived along religious and ethnic cleavages.

Nigeria is currently facing the highest religious intolerance ever known in its history. We have never been this divided religiously and some leaders think it wise to pitch same-faith presidential ticket. It shows the lack of conscience and insensitivity of such persons, with no intention of bridging the religious gap. This is not a vie for a state office, this is the presidency, were decisions translates; conclusions that either uphold or oppose equality and unity, to the totality of Nigeria.

Due to the fragile state of the nation, the most important aim for a presidential aspirant is to unite the country first. Hence, there should be a show of fairness when picking a vice-presidential candidate. Let both religious entities feel represented, and not think as though neglected or compromised. Compassion must be brought forward before selfishness. This is an outstanding quality of a great leader.

My questions are: will a Christian-Christian ticket be tolerated at this hour? Will our Muslims sisters and brothers accept it? With many calling the idea “dead on arrival”.

My take- To think that he was my second choice, I am highly disappointed in BAT. I thought he cared, or let’s just say I thought he was WISE. He keeps playing the wrong cards. Is there no capable Christian in the north? And who are his advisers? If he becomes the president, has he no thought after he ascends the highest office in the land?

On the other hand, if you look at it solely as a game, he needs the North, the South is already taken! So I will reiterate and call him SMART, but A HIGH RISK TAKER.  

However, a word to remember “If you become too desperate for something, it will keep running away from you”

What is your argument on BAT’s Muslim-Muslim presidential joint ticket?

Leave your arguments in the comment section below.

Many thanks!