Don’t Field Muslim-Muslim, Christian-Christian Ticket, Obasanjo Warns APC, PDP


Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned the two main political parties in the country presidential and vice presidential candidates from the same religion.
Obasanjo in a statement in Abeokuta on Sunday 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.”

His advice is coming barely 24 hours after former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari said he has not closed his mind on picking a Muslim or a Christian as his running mate if he emerges the flagbearer of the his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I have not absolutely closed my mind to picking a Christian or Muslim as running mate if I get the ticket. Because I firmly believe that Nigerians, having gone through what they have gone through, realise it is not a matter of religion, but a matter of Nigeria,” he said
But Obasanjo, whose support is being sought for the February 14, 2015 presidential elections by both parties, advised them to be sensitive to Nigeria’s religious diversity.
See full text of Obasanjo’s statement below:
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.
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.
Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamization or Christianization. The idea of proselytization 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.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Oct. 28, 2014

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