The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, has dismissed insinuations that the party was planning to field a Muslim-Muslin ticket in the February 2015 presidential election.

He described as “very unfortunate,” but unnecessary the controversy which trailed the interview granted an online newspaper, The cable, by a leading presidential aspirant of the party, Muhammadu Buhari, in which he said he would keep an open mind on the issue of his party’s presidential candidate and running mate.

Mr. Buhari, a Muslim, had in the interview, said he had demonstrated to Nigerians in the past that he was not a religious fundamentalist by picking Christians as his running mates in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections in which he ran.

“Nigerians will always uncover impossible room for manoeuvre for politicians. I had to face one of the governors during one of our party’s meetings [over the issue of religion],” Mr.Buhari, Nigeria’s former head of state between 1983 and 1985, said.

“In 2003, I chose Okadigbo as my running mate. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. In 2007, I picked Ume-Ezeoke. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. And in 2010, I chose even a pastor. Pastor Tunde Bakare.

“Honestly, what do Nigerians want me to do? If they don’t believe I’m not a fundamentalist, what else can I do?”

He recounted that the late Moshood Abiola, a southern Muslim, picked Babagana Kingibe, a northern Muslim, as his running mate in the 1993 presidential election.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket won the election generally considered the fairest and freest election in Nigeria’s history.

There had been speculations that Mr. Buhari might be looking in the direction of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is also a muslim, or his predecessor, Bola Tinubu, also a Muslim as his as his running mate, if he picks the APC ticket in the December presidential primary of the party.

However, a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday warned parties against fielding candidates of the same religion, saying it was dangerous for the country.

“Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust,” Mr. Obasanjo said.

“It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture,” Mr. Obasanjo said.

“Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamisation or Christianisation. The idea of proselytisation in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.

“Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allayed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed.”

But Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said the APC had never contemplated fielding a presidential and vice presidential candidates who belong to the same faith and that the current debate over the matter was just a distraction to the party.

He explained that the party was pre-occupied with the process of choosing its presidential candidate and that it had not toyed with the issue of who becomes the running mate yet.

“You know what triggered these things. It is very unfortunate. We are trying to get a presidential candidate now. Once that is sorted out, the issue of running mate becomes a simple matter,” the APC national chairman revealed in a telephone interview on Monday night.

He said Mr. Buhari might have been misunderstood on the matter, stating, “It is his usual way of speaking. You know he is a straightforward man. It (running mate) is not an issue. But that is his own way of putting it and should not be misunderstood.”

Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said the APC has a mission of rescuing the country from alleged mis-governance and therefore would neglect any segment of the country by being insensitive in the choice of candidates for the elections.

According to him, “We want to rescue this country; we want to save this nation. And so we will not do anything to make us loose votes, especially from a very large segment of the society. That is the simple truth. We don’t have to.

“We are looking at somebody who will contribute to winning the election. These things are commonsensical things that will be taken care of when we get to that bridge.”

On the reaction of Mr. Obasanjo to the issue, the APC national chairman said the former president’s comment on the matter was a non-issue for his party but generally okay.

He stressed, “We, as a party, haven’t gotten to that bridge. People shouldn’t forget that we are a new party. We do not want these distractions. We are taking all those issues gradually.”

Asked if the party was planning to pick a former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, as the running mate to Mr. Buhari, Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said, “I’m the national chairman. Whoever we will choose as our presidential candidate, whether it is Buhari, Atiku, Kwankwaso, Rochas Okorocha or any other person, the party will then sit down with him and say this is the type of running mate that will contribute maximally to the success of the party in the election.”

He denied claims that the party was reluctant to address the issue and that an official of the party was mandated to clear the air on the issue, but refused.

Culled from Premium Times

http://www.nigerianeye.com/2014/10/we-are-not-planning-to-field-muslim.html

ALL THE FASHOLA WARRIORS UNA DON HIA

Nigerian teeming christian population who have been at the receiving end of Sharia inspired Boko Haram barbaric insurgency will take this news with a pinch of salt. But vigilance is still the watchword. Nigeria politicians who looked the other way when Sharia, and it dark art of intolerance crept into the Nigeria society, cannot be trusted to keep their words.

Vigilance is the watchword!

Nigeria is not a muslim country; every subtle attempt to portray it as such must always be resisted, especially in this era of Islam inspired insurgency, terrorism and general barbarism across the world and in our backyard!

PointB:
Nigerian teeming christian population who have been at the receiving end of Sharia inspired Boko Haram barbaric insurgency will take this news with a pinch of salt. But vigilance is still the watch words. Nigeria politicians who looked the other way when Sharia, and it dark art of intolerance crept into the Nigeria society, cannot be trusted to keep their words.

Vigilance is the watchword!

Nigeria is not a muslim country; every subtle attempt to portray it as such must always be resisted, especially in this era of Islam inspired insurgency, terrorism and general barbarism across the world and in our backyard!

THE FACT IS THAT IRRESPECTIVE OF TEH COMBO APC PESENTS IN 2015,THERE ARE DESTINED FOR FAILURE BUT THE MERE FACT THAT A POLITICAL PARTY COULD EVEN CONTEMLATE SUCH AN INSENSITIVE COMBO MAKES ME SHUDDER

So they won't pick Fashola. How sad. Is this a good idea?

Seun:
So they won't pick Fashola or Oshiomole. How sad. I can't name one impressive APC politician who is not a muslim, so is this a good idea?

OSHIOMHOLE IS NOT A MUSLIM BUT A ROMAN CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN.IN REALITY A MUSLIM-MUSLIM OR CHRISTIAN -CHRISTIAN TICKET IS INPRACTICABLE IN THE PRESENT DAY NIGERIA.THE RELIGIOUS MISTRUST IN THE COUNTRY WOULD NEVER ALLOW THE ACTUALISATION OF SUCH AN INSENSITIVE COMBO

As much as it is inappropriate for religion to be a criteria for fielding and selection of candidates, for now our political awareness, enlightenment and maturity have not grown to the level in which religion shouldnt play a part. Never you trust a man on Agbada, still worst a party that is more of a regional one than national.




I knew one day i would make FP. Halleluya... i have made my family proud. Better is not good enough the best is yet to come.

Seun:
So they won't pick Fashola or Oshiomole. How sad. I can't name one impressive APC politician who is not a muslim, so is this a good idea?

There is Rochas, and Ngige, and several others!

If those are good as founding party members, surely they must be good as running mates! Besides, there is nothing to say, APC shouldn't field Southerner Muslim/Christian for President and northern christian/muslim as VP.

Abeg who get matches here?

chukwudi44:


THE FACT IS THAT IRRESPECTIVE OF TEH COMBO APC PESENTS IN 2015,THERE ARE DESTINED FOR FAILURE BUT THE MERE FACT THAT A POLITICAL PARTY COULD EVEN CONTEMLATE SUCH AN INSENSITIVE COMBO MAKES ME SHUDDER

It's a testament to the fact that APC for all intent and purpose seeks to enthrone an Islamic agenda! How hard is it to attract capable Christians, in a nation of about 80 million Christians, to it's fold, unless of course it (APC) agenda has sinister agenda!

Apc will pick competent candidates, that can WIN elections irrespective of religion.

PointB : chukwudi44 : when will apga stop presenting Christian/Christian candidates?

The route is rough and tough for APC.

chukwudi44:


OSHIOMHOLE IS NOT A MUSLIM BUT A ROMAN CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN.IN REALITY A MUSLIM-MUSLIM OR CHRISTIAN -CHRISTIAN TICKET IS INPRACTICABLE IN THE PRESENT DAY NIGERIA.THE RELIGIOUS MISTRUST IN THE COUNTRY WOULD NEVER ALLOW THE ACTUALISATION OF SUCH AN INSENSITIVE COMBO

You seem to be right. He was born muslim but his wife converted him to Christianity: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams_Oshiomhole

This party boxed themselves in, before the voting started. Amaechi is the only choice they have. They need his money.

PointB:



There is Rochas, and Ngige, and several others!

If those are good as founding party members, surely they must be good as running mates! Besides, there is nothing to say, APC shouldn't field Southerner Muslim/Christian for President and northern christian/muslim as VP.

As if you would vote for APC if Rochas or Ngige is made the VP candidate. Stop advocating for something you won't support.

Shiooor!

Obiagelli:
PointB : chukwudi44 : when will apga stop presenting Christian/Christian candidates?

For a local government/state election in a Christian enclave ? Guy, please swerve!

We are talking about animals with horns, and your are describing a snail!

Obiagelli:
Apc will pick competent candidates, that can WIN elections irrespective of religion.

Wake up from your day dreaming nne oma!

Nothing is good in APC, even when a good person joins APC, I take it the person has backslidden and pray for his/her soul to find goodness again

The competent candidates in APC won't be allowed to lead and people like Ribadu had to leave. But seriously though, why must we be discussing this issue? Don't they know what they want?

berem:
As if you would vote for APC if Rochas or Ngige is made the VP candidate. Stop advocating for something you won't support.

Shiooor!

You have no idea how I will vote such ticket. So please stop speculating!

Obiagelli:
PointB : chukwudi44 : when will apga stop presenting Christian/Christian candidates?

Your blood shedding retired general said nothing was wrong with a muslim-muslim ticket. Please pray, tell me, what's wrong with a christian-christian ticket at the national level? Nobody is even thinking of it because we have been configured to believe it won't work. So why would a muslim-muslim ticket be considered sef?
Christians are too tolerant and open I guess.

Gboliwe:


Wake up from your day dreaming nne oma!

Nothing is good in APC, even when a good person joins APC, I take it the person has backslidden and pray for his/her soul to find goodness again

The competent candidates in APC won't be allowed to lead and people like Ribadu had to leave. But seriously though, why must we be discussing this issue? Don't they know what they want?

But you didn't vote ribadu in 2011

politricks:
I wouldnt have bothered with Muslim muslim or christain christain ticket as far as the candidates are qualified but because of Nigeria's sensitivity with regards to religion, it will be dangerous.I guess that was why baba(obasanjo) said this.

I still stick to my post on the other thread.

Obiagelli:

But you didn't vote ribadu in 2011

How do you know

2015 will surely be more than interesting.

Gboliwe:


How do you know

samuelkaykay:
The route is rough and tough for APC.

A route they deliberately chose.

In anycase, all these are just rehearsals, the reality and magnitude of Nigerians resentment to Muslim/Muslim ticket will hit whoever make that mistake soon enough! There are something that simply cannot be taken for granted in present day Nigeria! Eyes are red-hot these days!

Let's see who blinks first!

Gboliwe:
Your blood shedding retired general said nothing was wrong with a muslim-muslim ticket. Please pray, tell me, what's wrong with a christian-christian ticket at the national level? Nobody is even thinking of it because we have been configured to believe it won't work. So why would a muslim-muslim ticket be considered sef?
Christians are too tolerant and open I guess.

Why should religion be considered in the first place?

Obiagelli:

Naughty girl

PointB:


You have no idea how I will vote such ticket. So please stop speculating!

I am not speculating Sir,I am only stating the obvious from your past comments about the choice of candidates for APC.

Whatever; GMB as the APShit flagbearer is dead on arrival.
We say No to Islamisation of Nigeria.

Gboliwe:


Naughty girl

I know you didn't vote the Apc in 2011 but something strongly tells me you will in 2015 even if you don't, they will mistakely count your vote as APCs.

Obiagelli:

Why should religion be considered in the first place?

At some point in our history as a nation, it didn't mean a thing. But apparently, it meant a lot to the other religion, so while we were yet asleep, a muslim leader with the support of fellow like minds like himself smuggled us into OIC. It cost us a lot. So now, our eyes are wide open before they sell us to Sudan or Saudi.
We need both religions at the top to checkmate certain things.