As the debate hots up on the choice of the presidential candidate’s running mate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, a popular priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, has added his voice to it.
Recall that many Nigerians and Christian Association of Nigeria had frown at Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision in naming former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate in the next year’s election.
It was believed that the leading candidate’s running mate, being a Muslim himself, can’t also be a Muslim. Many are of the opinion that this negate the spirit of religion balancing in a country where Christianity and Islam have dominance.
However, in his charge, the reverend father disagreed with the sentiment while reminding Nigerians that APC is just one out of many parties vying for the presidency.
“The Muslim-muslim ticket by APC has generated lots of concerns and vociferous outrage from mostly Nigerians of southern region and perhaps the Northern christian minority. I honestly do understand why some persons feel scared about it, however, I refuse to validate or consolidate that fear for some reasons. APC is just one party, we have other parties in Nigeria. One of the beauties of democracy is the availability of options,” he wrote.
Father Oluoma believed that crying over APC’s candidates in the midst of other candidates questions the nation’s readiness to change the status quo or its capacity to ‘make and accept informed decisions’.
He, however, revealed the true reason behind APC’s decision.
“There’s only one major reason behind the Muslim-Muslim ticket by APC; electoral victory. Without a Muslim VP, the APC will lose significant votes from the North and probably lose the entire presidency. This is the fear and the reason for a Muslim VP.
“Don’t let anyone beguile you to make it a religious problem, if you do, you will keep losing the big picture. I’ll never reduce this issue to religious problem, it’s more of political dexterity. APC chose electoral votes over religious sentiments.
“Of course APC knows a number of Christians will be offended, but they still went ahead probably knowing that the mathematics of more votes favor them in this issue more than feelings,” he said.
He also stated it is okay not to like it, but he totally frown against crying over it. He then listed the other alternatives that exist.
Read full tweet below.
The Muslim-muslim ticket by APC has generated lots of concerns and vociferous outrage from mostly Nigerians of southern region and perhaps the Northern christian minority.
I honestly do understand why some persons feel scared about it, however pic.twitter.com/EUXwHMJGq3— Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma #FadaOluoma (@fadaoluoma) July 12, 2022
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
