Mixed reactions have trailed the Muslim-Muslim ticket opted for by the camp of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among those interviewed by News Band on Wednesday, some expressed strong reservations over the Muslim-Muslim ticket while other felt it is a matter of choice.
Below are a few responses from interviewees cutting across several regions and the diaspora:
Nnamdi Ezenwafor, Diaspora
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has committed political suicide by their decision, for not putting into consideration the true nature of Nigeria’s components, that is, ignoring the Christians and other religions.
“To be honest, I’m of the position that less attention be given to the said Muslim/Muslim ticket.
“I think the best thing to do is to vote against APC in a large scale come 2023 elections.”
Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, Kano
“There are many lenses to which we can use in seeing this situation and every one of it not only comes with its own capital, but also comes with its collateral damage.
“A Muslim – Muslim ticket from the perspective of the appeal it holds on religious sentiment which we cherish so dearly in Nigeria is not an abomination in itself, but certainly an isolation of the members of other faith which can be interpreted as being unfair.
“With the deep seated mistrust that have already polarised the country along this line, I’ll say such ticket is really not a panacea for reconciliation and national unity, neither is it certain that the it will offer delivery beyond what the party is currently offering Nigerians.
“To a large extent, the religious puzzle matters because, one, we are still into religious politics in Nigeria, secondly our system is not yet strong for the sort of checks and balances that will put every office holder subdued to national interest as against religious or tribal affinity.
“On the flip side, if competence and basic human commonality is the yardstick, I wouldn’t raise an eyebrow knowing Senator Ibrahim Kashim Shettima as an ace player and Asiwau Bola Ahmed Tinubu an acclaimed master strategist.
“Many who see it from this lens may think that perhaps this ticket is the disruptive master stroke Nigeria needs.
“Personally, the religious debate pisses me because I hate to see people based on their religious inclination; I like to see them for who they are – people.
“I cherish an ideal where irrespective of the faith of whoever governs me, that person understands the language of competence and the full essence of rights of every individual and group.”
Chima Christian, Anambra
“If the Kashim Shettima reports flying around are anything to go by, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again chosen himself over Nigeria.
“In 2013, he saw an opportunity to bring himself and his political baby to the “national grid.”
“Despite all that was known about Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.) at the time, Ahmed Tinubu dared all the would-be consequences and took his opportunity in Buhari.
“While the human casualty of that decision continues to pile up, Tinubu is now supposedly reaping the fruits of his investment in Buhari.
“Looking at how poorly President Buhari has handled Nigeria’s diversity, Tinubu could have, at the very least, tried to balance his ticket and run an inclusive campaign.
“But, like he has always done, “Emi Lo Kan” has retreated into his shell and chose a path that gets him closer to his lifelong ambition regardless of the consequences for ordinary Nigerians.
“Nothing else seems to matter as long as Tinubu gets what he wants.
“Ready your PVC, this affliction shall not rise a second time!
“Two key issues emerged from APC’s Muslim/Muslim considerations. One, that southern Muslims are not Muslim enough. Two, that northern Christians are not northern enough.
“Nigeria’s identity politics is as entertaining as it is depressing.”
Oyekanmi Oyeleye, Lagos
“Rocking Tinubu’s camp”? Not quite in my opinion. That’s the same camp that determined it so. They’ve concluded that’s the winning combination and it’s hard to dispute that.
“Majority of Christian votes for Bola Tinubu is going to come from the Southern part and especially the South West. This decision will not affect it.”
Concerning the mass exodus from the party and from Tinubu’s camp, he noted:
“Whoever left the so called “Tinubu’s camp” as a result of the Muslim-Muslim ticket was never in the camp in my opinion.
“That person does not understand Tinubu’s personality and politics. He has also not taken time to study Tinubu’s political antecedents.
“The possibility of sabotage, betrayal and feeding on the propaganda for monetary gain will not be discounted too.
“Na naija politics and politicians!” he added.
George Davidson, Abuja
“It is a disastrous move. It can destroy the thin or relative harmony in the land. It is an insult to the Christain communities.
“Though , I would not want to delve into who is “Christain” or not now”
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