MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET: In the wake of the controversy generated by the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC), which has faced lots of condemnation nationwide, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has formerly waded into the discussion.

Basic Facts

• The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) is the umbrella group of most Christian denominations in Nigeria.
• The group met in Lagos Thursday and in the meeting discussed the state of the nation, after which they took some positions for the 2023 General election.
• The PFN addressed the press after her meeting and condemned same faith ticket.

What We Know

The Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria, has given reasons why same faith ticket will not augur well for Nigeria. The PFN spoke on Thursday following the heated and ongoing debate generated by the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election.

The General Secretary, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Cosmos Ilechukwu, on Thursday said same-faith ticket, either Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim, will not augur well for the unity and future of Nigeria.

Dr. Cosmos Ilechukwu made the position of the PFN known at a press conference on the state of the nation, held at the PFN National Secretariat in Lagos on Thursday.

He said the decision of some political parties to go by the same faith ticket would only further jeopardise the future of the nation, hence a framework had been prepared by the Christian Association of Nigeria as a guide for all Christians on how to vote for the best candidate.

Clariform reporter has obtained the guide contained in a flier which captures four key areas highlighted for Christian voters to consider before voting.

These areas are character, competence, capacity and policies of the candidate or party.

Notable Quotes

Speaking after the PFN meeting, Dr. Cosmos Ilechukwu made the following points:

“The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria reaffirms its position that the same-faith ticket can, in no way, be justified, as it is not in the interest of Nigeria, as it further jeopardises the prospects of peaceful coexistence and building of a united nation.

“PFN has never been in the business of endorsing candidates and will not be doing so in the 2023 elections. However, it will continue to mobilise the church to ensure full participation in the political process by all Christians.”

“while encouraging all our members to vote in line with what is best for Nigeria and the church at all levels, with the framework prepared by the Christian Association of Nigeria as a guide.”

“The fellowship will continue to be open-minded and broad-minded, leaving the door of engagement with all political parties open, so that all the issues that are holding back the development and unity of Nigeria can be comprehensively addressed.”

Catch-up

Nigeria elections are usually characterized by debates that borders on inclusion. It  was a shocker to many Nigerians when the ruling APC and her presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a muslim from the South West, announced Shettima another Muslim from the North East as his running mate.

Many including members of his party condemned the move. However, the presidential candidate stuck to his choice believing Shettima is the right person to help the party get votes from his region.

Takeaway

Nigeria is a plural state, which over the years had made effort to ensure inclusion. The 1979 constitution went far to include federal character as a state policy. The federal character seek to include every segment of society in governance and appointment.

In recent times, many Nigerians have developed a sense of alienation following the track of nepotism, way and manner the present APC Government at the centre has carried out appointments at the national level.

The APC would have used the forthcoming elections and candidates to assure Nigerians that the party care about inclusiveness, unity and prosperity beyond electoral victory.

However, the Party seem to be poor in emotional intelligence or is prepared to call the bluff of Nigerians while demanding for their votes.

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