APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket has further polarised Nigeria, says PFN

Cosmos Ilechukwu, national secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), says the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) could impede the peaceful coexistence of the country.

The PFN said despite its advice to political parties, the APC went ahead with a same-faith ticket for the 2023 presidential election.

Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, and Kashim Shettima, the vice-presidential candidate, are both Muslims.

The development has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly from Christian bodies.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Ilechukwu said the same-faith ticket will not foster unity in the country.

He said: “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria reaffirms its position that a same faith ticket can in no way, be justified, as it is not in the interest of Nigeria, as it further jeopardizes the prospects of peaceful co-existence and building of a united nation.

“The PFN notes that even in the face of the unprecedented level of disunity in the country, some of the political parties and politicians have acted in disregard of the fragility of the times we live in, made worse by the poor management of our fault lines, thus further polarising the country.”

Ilechukwu said the PFN is non-partisan and has never been in the business of endorsing candidates, adding that the body will not do so in 2023.

He called on Christians to fully participate in the 2023 elections while lamenting the recent “unfortunate” attacks on places of worship.

“Christians should depend on God for protection but also defend themselves, government should as well carry out their duties effectively and ensure security in the country,” he said.

Ilechukwu also called on the government to meet the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has been on strike for over six months.