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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Apostle Emmanuel Bako, has kicked against the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election, warning that it will portray the country in a bad light.
Apostle Bako said since both Muslims and Christians are affected by economic hardships brought by poor leadership, the one faith ticket is unacceptable.
In a statement made available to reporters on Wednesday, the state PFN chairman also argued that fielding party flag-bearers with individuals from one faith is not consistent with a federal system, adding that such a joint ticket has the potency to polarise the country at a time citizens are searching for unity.
“Both Muslims and Christians are affected by the economic hardships brought by poor leadership and no one should be deceived by this. Therefore, I declare the Muslim-Muslim ticket barbaric and unacceptable. We shall not let it stand because it showcases our great nation in a bad light,” Bako stated.
“The new trend of fielding party flag bearers with individuals from one faith is not consistent with our federal system. It has the potency to polarise our beloved nation at this crucial moment when all true citizens are searching for unity.
“I have noticed with great dismay the consistent disregard for our heterogeneous nature in Nigeria by our political players. This is done in the face of the increasing weakness of the bond of unity. It is not only against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but against the plan of God.
“I see this as an irresponsible decision and a disregard for our diversity. I wish to state that it is not acceptable.
“It is obvious that the decision is taken to cover up for the failure of government and to also spite other religions. Both Muslims and Christians are suffocating under the highest level of insecurity.
“This has further reduced our life expectancy in Nigeria. Apart from this, the religious fault lines in the past seven years have been widened. The responsibility of all political parties at this moment should be on strengthening national integration and not otherwise.
“I call on all peace-loving citizens to reject this evil pattern that is gradually getting entrenched. Let’s unite and build a society on the basis of respect for everyone’s humanity. I see 2023 as an opportunity to open up our nation to real political civilization,” he said.
