Tinubu-Shettima ticket confirmation of APC’s Islamization agenda — Edwin Clark
by Ebor Cletus Ralph Jr
Chief Edwin Clark, a former federal commissioner for information, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for electing a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the general elections of 2023.
Kashim Shettima, the former governor of Borno State, was selected as Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running partner on Sunday.
In a statement on Monday, Clark responded to the news, calling the ruling party’s selection of a Muslim-Muslim ticket “proof of its Islamization plan.”
He believed that such a choice did not reflect the nation’s sentiment.
The wise man continued by saying that the action went against the ideas of justice and sharpness.
The statement read: “I feel threatened for our beloved country because of the way things are going. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with Christianity and Islam as the major religions, even though Nigeria is a secular state.
“Today, what has the presidential candidate of the APC, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu done? He has picked a person of his religion, a Muslim, as his running-mate. Such choice is not inclusive, it is not good for a secular state like Nigeria.
“There is presently a sharp division in the country, even on religious lines, and all patriots are seeking ways to salvage the situation. Therefore, Alhaji Tinubu’s decision to take a fellow Muslim as his running mate, will further worsen the situation in the country. He should know that patriotism is a quality of a good leader.
“On the reasons adduced by Alhaji Tinubu on why he chose Kashim Shettima as running-mate, is the APC presidential flag bearer telling Nigerians that there are no Christians in the APC from the north who are “competent, capable and reliable?
“It is an illusion to think that except one is from the north, you may not win the election. So, the idea that unless you come from the north or you are a Muslim, or a Muslim supports you if you are not a Muslim, you cannot win an election, should immediately be jettisoned by proponents of such an idea. The north needs the south to be in power, same way the south needs the north to be in power. No one can do it alone. About 46 percent or more of Nigerians are Christians.”
