Christian Leaders No Longer Opposed to Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Cite Balance in Political Appointments

• Christian and Church leaders in Nigeria have altered their stance on President Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, citing his commitment to balanced political appointments
• They believe that this approach will promote religious harmony and strengthen Nigeria’s national unity, dispelling previous fears of religious dominance

Christian and Church leaders in Nigeria, organized under the National Solemn Assembly (NaSA), have revealed a change in their stance concerning the Muslim-Muslim ticket of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Their initial fears, rooted in concerns about religious dominance and the potential oppression of Christians, have been addressed.

In a statement issued at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja during the inauguration of committees and the launch of national orientation and mobilization for ‘A Day of Praise Worship and Thanksgiving to God for Nigeria,’ scheduled for December nationwide, NaSA leaders conveyed their evolving perspective.

Archbishop Leonard Kawas, Chairman of the committee, encouraged all Nigerians, especially Christians, to actively participate in fasting and intense prayer for the nation. This fast, set to begin on October 20, 2023, will culminate on November 30, 2023, just a day before the Solemn Assembly.

Professor Bature, the National President of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, commended President Tinubu for dispelling the fears held by many Christians regarding a Muslim-Muslim ticket. It was a concern that such a ticket might lead the nation into turmoil or religious imbalances. However, this apprehension has dissipated due to President Tinubu’s commitment to a balanced political appointment strategy.

“One of the issues that heightened tensions during the previous election period was the fear of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. It created a lot of anxiety, but that fear has been alleviated. The President and his Vice have shown nothing but fairness in their political appointments,” Professor Bature stated.

He continued, “We can see that no one can claim to be marginalized because both Muslims and Christians have received equitable representation in political appointments. This is one of the reasons we must express gratitude to God, as some individuals believed that a Muslim-Muslim ticket would lead to the Islamization of Nigeria.”

The Christian leaders’ shift in perspective signifies a recognition of the inclusive approach to governance demonstrated by President Tinubu. They believe balanced political appointments foster religious harmony and strengthen Nigeria’s national unity.