Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, a member of the clergy and an advocate for social justice and peace, has distanced himself from membership of any political party’s campaign team for the upcoming 2023 elections.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Friday, the clergyman said, “My attention has been drawn to a list in circulation which indicates that I (or my wife – Prof Para-Mallam) have been nominated to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council.” Neither of us is aware of this nomination and our consent was not sought”
He added, “I am non-partisan. I am also not a card-carrying member of any political party in Nigeria today (not that it would be wrong, but I am not at moment). Besides, CAN has taken a position against any Muslim-Muslim ticket and any Christian-Christian ticket. I respect that decision.”
According to him, Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country, stressing that the contextual reality needs to show in the way the political parties play their politics through fair internal party politics.
“Accepting to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council will negate this fundamental reality of what we are as multi-religious country. Politics of inclusiveness should override politics of exclusion not just in 2023 but beyond,” he explained.
He added, “I therefore wish to distance myself from membership of any campaign team of any political party in the forthcoming 2023 elections. I have some respected and close friends in all the major political parties. I will continue to work to promote political harmony and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.”