A northern group by the name Coalition of Arewa Forum For Good Governance (CAFGG) has kicked against the idea of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the All Progressive Congress (APC). The group says that any such attempt will only create crisis in the country
KEY FACTS
- Nigeria`s ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC) has a presidential candidate who is a Muslim from the South West.
- The Idea of a running mate from the North who is also a Muslim have been muted in some quarters with little or no push back so far.
- CAFGG has come out against this notion arguing that it will be a continuing destabilizing factor in the country, and will further inflame the tensions in the polity.
This was disclosed in a press release by the CAFGG, signed by the Coordinator, Malam Garba Yunusa.
It further proposed the selection of Governor Simon Lalong as matching running mate for the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who himself is a Muslim from the South West.
The group said in a statement that “To douse the tension ,we are calling on the winner of APC primaries and flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pick the only Northern Christian Governor in the party , Mr. Simon Bako Lalong as his running mate”.
Governor Simon Lalong is the governor of Plateau State, a Christian from the North East part of the country. The group argues that pairing Governor Simon Lalong and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will create a balance and equity, justice and fairness, thereby helping douse the tension in the country.
He is also the current Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum, which comprises of 19 Northern states
NOTABLE QUOTES
The statement from CAFGG reads in part: ”Nigerians are not unaware that Tinubu is a Muslim from the South-West geo-political zone,thus we feel it would be rational for a northern Christian, especially from the marginalized North-Central geo-political zone to be a running mate, who can also take care of interest of the minorities.”
“We strongly believe that once a Christian is picked , the warning and threats by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) would have been taking care of too.”
The group, which insisted that a Muslim-Muslim ticket will apparently divide Nigeria, especially If APC eventually wins the general elections, noted, “It is not about Political Party now ,but the country as a whole “
“This is part of reasons we are calling on Tinubu to shun those rooting for a Muslim -Muslim ticket under the guise of “merit and competence ” and pick Governor Lalong,who can draw votes considering his track records of performance and his position as the current Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum with 19 states within his reach.
“We are sure the south will also be comfortable with him, considering his detribalised disposition and how he has handled the problems of insecurity in Plateau State as the Governor.”
“The interest of few and selfish politicians rooting for Muslim-Muslim ticket should not be allowed to override the interest of most Nigerians , who desire a united one nation”.
TAKEAWAY
The political parties and their presidential candidates have until June 17th to submit the name of their vice presidential candidate according to INEC`s current timetable and guideline for the February 2023 presidential elections.
None of the political parties which fielded candidates from their party`s national conventions have official announced a running mate as at date.
