₦airaland Forum

Opinion.

Several factors have determined the winner of the presidential election in Nigeria. We've had ethnicity, the financial prowess of parties and their candidates and region. However, an important factor which has already been politicized by the North( and which is the primary reason why you get bloc votes from Northern states) and is now been adopted by the Southern region is Religion.

What many people from the South don't realize is that there are two main categories of Muslims), the Sunni and Shiites, each with it's belief and norms. However, during elections, both groups are united to elect a Muslim in any election against any non-Muslim. In previous election years, this cannot be side of the Christian dominated States in the South as they promoted ethnicity rather than Christianity. However, with the recent activities of the Church in the South, 2023 will be the first time that the Church is canvasing for a particular candidate. The church will play a significant role as to who will stay at the Villa. How do the three main Presidential aspirants fair in this regard?

APC with Bola Tinubu

He is a Muslim. It's one of the reasons why he could also win votes from Northern delegates and consolidate it with votes from the South West. Now, based on Bashir Ahmed's tweet and some statements made on Arewa's Twitter handle, it's possible that it's a Muslim- Muslim ticket for the APC. If this is a reality, is the Church prepared to have the last laugh or allowed the usual ethnic issues associated with the South, divide it?

Atiku Abubakar of the PDP

The interesting apsect of 2023 is that the two leading candidates are Muslims, meaning that we won't be getting the bloc votes from the North as votes will be shared amongst them, similar to the issues in the South. This undeniable fact means that the Christian dominated South regions are poised to determined who wins the election due to the fact that it has just one candidate. The Church is part of the reasons why we have the surge in Voter's registration in the South. If this trend continues,the South is expected to produce blocs votes for it's sole candidate like it's Northern counterparts do, on the condition that it removes any form of ethnic affiliations.

Peter Obi of Labour Party My recent interaction with senior leaders of some churches revealed something- Obi's move from PDP is a blessing for Christianity, irrespective of ethnicity. If he'd remain as VP, that's 16years of Muslim rule. Are christians second class citizens? Moreover, with a credible Muslim VP, Obi is likely to take some votes from the North, while taking bloc votes from Christian South. And with the Church like Apostle Suleiman of OFM in support of him while Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere of OPM is making his Church venue around Nigeria available to INEC for voters registration, it's a positive start Should the Church be united to promote it's sole presidential candidate and reject this second class VP tag, it's a game changer for Nigeria's Political Climate as we will expect bloc votes from Christian dominated Southern States for it's aspirant. Anything less and it's VP again.


Conclusion- Religion is a powerful actor in a political system. The North has used it to it's advantage. The question is; are christians ready to support their own irrespective of ethnicity?

Note- the Church refers to all Christians irrespective of denomination.

lalasticlala
Mynd44

We will get there..

Religion this time around is different. I m beginning to suspect all politicians. APC should be able to field a northern Christian with no problem. They v been setting records straight and this shouldn't be too hard to do.

Sweetplum:
Religion this time around is different. I m beginning to suspect all politicians. APC should be able to field a northern Christian with no problem. They v been setting records straight and this shouldn't be too hard to do.

Are christians good enough for VP slot only?

pleasureosondu:
Are christians good enough for VP slot only?

No. We v had we v had Christian VP for 14 years and Muslim VP for 16 years.
I m a Christian. However if a Muslim - Muslim ll do well, so be it.

I never knew you get sense like this!! Or us ur handle hacked

Sweetplum:
No. We v had we v had Christian VP for 14 years and Muslim VP for 16 years.
I m a Christian. However if a Muslim - Muslim ll do well, so be it.

ItsTutsi:
I never knew you get sense like this!! Or us ur handle hacked

I get sense bros