Tinubu disregards criticism and files the INEC paperwork for the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
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| Bola Tinubu |
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC's presidential candidate, dashed the hopes of several Nigerians on Friday who had hoped he would change his mind about the divisive Muslim-Muslim ticket by appointing a northern Christian to be his running mate in place of Kashim Shettima, the former governor of Borno State.
Hours before the Independent National Electoral Commission's deadline, a source in Tinubu's camp claimed that the APC standard-bearer had rejected all requests to drop Shettima.
When he named Shettima, a northern Muslim, as his running partner, Tinubu, a southern Muslim, attracted the fury of the Christian Association of Nigeria, some party members, and political stakeholders.
After his private meeting with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret.), at his home in Daura, Katsina State, over the Sallah break, he announced the news to the media.
The statement drew significant criticism, especially from the Christian community, which has long felt excluded from Nigerian society and harbored suspicions about a supposed Islamization plot.
Tinubu's men and campaign teams used diplomacy and political discourse in the media to calm agitated people after the outcry that followed his announcement.
Before the INEC deadline, there was speculation that Tinubu and the APC leadership could contemplate replacing Shettima with a northern Christian due to the desperate attempt to downplay discussions about the "Islamization of Nigeria."
However, when Tinubu went on to submit Shettima's name to INEC on Friday, he eliminated any chance that he may give in to pressure to switch running mates.
Bayo Onanuga, the spokesman for the Bola Tinubu Campaign Organization, told Saturday MEDIA that it would not have been appropriate for his principle to remove Shettima because some people did not like the decision.
It's not possible, We have seen this tactic before—all these ads that set Nigerians against one another. It occurred in 1993, and the outcome was obvious. Due to Babagana Kingibe's Muslim heritage, (MKO) Abiola came under pressure from a number of sources, according to Onanuga.
The campaign spokesman asked Nigerians to put competency first rather than letting their ethnic or religious affiliations fly like a kite.
"Rather than focusing on a candidate's religion, we should assess their ability to deliver and advance the nation. They will quickly understand that. There is no chance that our presidential candidate will abandon Shettima, as I already stated. Shettima will remain as he has chosen him. A cool candidate, he. Both of them have the potential to be president, Onanuga insisted.
The former managing director of News Agency of Nigeria further revealed that efforts were being made to placate CAN and unhappy APC members, notably Babachir Lawal, a former ally of Tinubu and secretary to the government of the federation, who has been one of the loudest critics of Tinubu's selection of the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
"I can tell you that Tinubu will win over Babachir and others," he stated. What we're witnessing is normal. In politics, you might not always get what you want. However, we are confident that people will quickly see that their option is actually not a bad one.
"Remember that the 2023 elections are still six months away. Even 24 hours are a long time in politics. Anything could occur to alter the path of events. The party is making efforts to win over everyone so that they will support the presidential candidate in the election.
Meanwhile, Tinubu was correct to dismiss criticism of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, according to Taiwo Akerele, a former chief of staff to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.
When we discuss a Muslim-Muslim ticket and Christians argue that the VP nominee should be a Christian, Akerele added, "I start to wonder what happens to the 120 million Nigerians who are neither Muslims nor Christians, many of whom don't attend church or a mosque.
"The PDP offered us a Muslim vice presidential candidate from the North from 1999 and 2007. Jonathan, a Christian, took the lead from 2007 until 2011. Today, we also have a vice president who doubles as a professor and a pastor.
Muslims and Christians have each had their moment. God forbid, it should not be the turn of Christians or Muslims, but rather the turn of pagans if Tinubu is going to face pressure to oust Shettima.
Akerele contends that when choosing a leader, Nigerians should take into account important factors including the nation's failing economy, rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
Adebayo Shittu, the director general of Asiwaju Tinubu's presidential campaign organization, also revealed that the former governor of Lagos State and APC leader intended to involve stakeholders such as religious organizations.
I can guarantee you that we will take the appropriate action, he said. We understand what to do. Isn't the ultimate goal to get together and campaign for the presidency? We'll act.
"Let me further emphasize that not all Christians, including clergy, are upset with our decision. Avoid making generalizations. However, we are aware that many of the angry party members are the vice president's followers and allies (Yemi Osinbajo). We described the APC as a party of "free joiners" and "free leavers" for this reason. Anyone is welcome to enter and exit at any time.
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria has not interacted with Tinubu or anyone from his side, a source within the organization told Sunday MEDIA.
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