Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been urged by the National Coalition for Democracy, Peace, and Unity (NCDPU) to abandon his plans to run a Muslim-Muslim ticket in favour of Simon Lalong, a Christian governor.
The group expressed concerns regarding possible threats and a political crisis that would result if the APC decided to consider a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the Communiqué, which was jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary, Ibrahim Ringim and Peter Emmanuel.
In order to live together in harmony and peace, the group advised all political parties to strike a balance along racial and religious lines.
The Coalition group asserts that the APC should behave in a similar way to the main opposition People’s Democratic Party and notes that Lalong has demonstrated his ability to bring people together by successfully handling the crises in Plateau State.
The group stated that if the APC takes a different course, it will only deter Christians from joining the party and potential supporters from casting ballots for it.
The Communiqué states: “As concerned Democrats, we are deeply worried about the potential threats and political crisis that would be created if the ruling party resolved to consider a Muslim-Muslim ticket during the upcoming 2023 Presidential elections.”
“The palpable tension caused by regional unrest and the potential crisis that the idea of a Muslim-Muslim ticket could bring about informed the need for the political summit.
As a result, we are pleading with all political parties to find common ground across religious and ethnic divides in order to coexist peacefully.
“The Executive Members determined that in the interest of National Unity, it is good for the ruling party APC and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to pick a Christian running mate in the same way the main opposition party, PDP, has done after deliberating extensively on the best course of action for a sustainable peace and progress of our dear country.
The fact that even the Muslims in the State are at ease with Lalong is evidence that he will undoubtedly be fair to all. Lalong has demonstrated his ability to bring people together and has handled the crises in Plateau very well.
“If APC goes in a different direction, it will not only turn off Christians in the party and electorate who are willing to vote for the party in the election, but it also may create discord that will force them to vote for other parties with balanced candidates.”
“At this pivotal juncture, when Nigeria’s corporate existence is at risk, the emphasis on unity and progress should be of the utmost importance to all political parties and presidential candidates.”
