Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo has warned political parties not to toy with the idea of selecting a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket in the upcoming election.
The former Nigerian leader was tacitly referring to an interview granted by the likely presidential candidate of the All Progressives congress where he stated that he was not opposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
In a brief press statement, Obasanjo said it will be absurd for any party to make the costly mistake of choosing both top candidates of their party from the same religious background.
See full text of Obasanjo’s statement below:
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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