Controversy Over Muslim-Muslim Presidential Ticket

There is controversy over a statement released by former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari that he would not mind a Muslim running mate if he wins the All progressives Congress, APC presidential ticket for the 2015 election.

It does not matter — Mohammed

Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed said religion has nothing to do with the development of the country, averring that Buhari and Obasanjo were not feeling the mood of the nation.

“I don’t think these two leaders can feel the mood of the nation and as far as I am concerned, the argument over Muslim-Muslim ticket is frivolous and uncalled for. Nigerians can make their own choice either a Muslim-Muslim ticket or a Christian-Christian ticket, but they should not confuse Nigerians with this kind of argument. I believe very strongly that some of the people are hiding to smite former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu. They should allow the All Progressives Congress, APC, to decide what they want and let them live with the consequences, I believe this nation deserves the best,” he said.

It’s a distraction — Utomi

On his part, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Mega Party, SDMP, in the 2011 elections, Professor Pat Utomi described the argument as a distraction from the real issues.

It calls for caution— Fasehun

Leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr Fredrick Fasehun said: ‘’We are religiously conscious in this country. And if the Muslim-Muslim ticket issue was noted by a leader whose love for the country we cannot doubt, it would have been good. But if the statement was credited to a leader who says there will be trouble and blood-letting if he didn’t win elections, then it calls for caution.”

Emphasis should be placed on competence—Tsav

Also speaking, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav said: ‘’It is only in Nigeria that religion is made an issue. That should not be the case. Anyone that is competent and suitable for any office is entitled to vie for the position. Premium should be placed on competence and not religion. When we were growing up no one bothered about religion, all that mattered was competence. So we should de-emphasize religion.”