By Akinwale Kasali
Since the decision of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to field Muslim-Muslim Candidates – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Running Mate, Kashim Shettima for the Presidential Election, there have been mixed feelings, condemnation and brickbats from different quarters, especially, from the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
Giving reasons for the inappropriate fielding of a Muslim-Muslim Ticket, the General Secretary, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Cosmos Ilechukwu, said same-faith ticket, either Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim, will not augur well for the unity and future of Nigeria.
Ilechukwu made the position of the group 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 by some political parties to go by the same faith ticket would further jeopardise the future of the nation, hence a framework had been prepared by the Christian Association of Nigeria as a guide for Christians.
The Group made a a four key point embedded in a flier which capture what Christian voters should consider before voting.
The areas are character, competence, capacity and policies of the candidate or party.
The statement reads:“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.”
He encouraged all Christian 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.”
