APGA and SDP chairmen believe that competence, not religion, should be important to Nigerians.

By Adeleye Kunle

Chief Victor Oye, national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, has advised Nigerians to vote for a team capable of changing the country’s governance narratives ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Even so, he stated that the religious disposition of Nigeria’s President and Vice President is not as important as their ability to deliver good governance when elected.

Oye gave the advice against the backdrop of various reactions to the selection of Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno state, as the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Shettima, like Tinubu, is a devout Muslim.

In an exclusive interview with Track News, the APGA chair said Shettima’s selection may have been influenced by permutations known to Tinubu and his party, but those who are unhappy with the decision should take advantage of the opportunities provided by other political parties to make their choice.

Insisting that faith is not a powerful fault line, Oye suggested that state of origin be removed from the nation’s political recruitment process so that a man from the South can run for office in the North and vice versa based on his acceptability.

“I don’t care about the religion of whoever wants to be President or Vice President,” he said. What matters to me, and I am sure to most Nigerians, is the team’s ability to deliver.

“However, as a nation, we face numerous challenges, one of which is national unity and cohesion.” However, if a Presidential candidate chooses a running mate of the same faith, those who are uncomfortable with this can look to other parties to see what they have to offer. That is the reality of the situation.

“However, I will tell you that religious differences will die naturally if we can resolve the issue of state of origin.” People should be able to run for elective office in places where they have lived long enough and made a positive difference in people’s lives.

“A man from Enugu should be able to run for office in Katsina and win on the basis of acceptability.” This will unite us more than the Muslim/Christian ticket, as many advocate.”

Separately, Shehu Gabam, national chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, told Saturday Vanguard that the loss of morality and decency is the reason religion is becoming a determinant of who becomes President and Vice President at some point.

“The major problems we have in this country, according to him, are politicians and religious leaders.” They constantly manipulate us, and we won’t get it right until we take a firm stand not to fall for their games.

“We only question a ticket’s religious balance because we’ve lost our sense of morality and decency.” We have highly placed Muslims in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government who have not resigned because Muslims have been killed.

“The same is true for highly respected Christian leaders in the corridors of power.” Has any of them resigned as a result of the senseless killing of Christians?

“Which cleric has gone around to see the plight of Muslims and Christians at the hands of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and so forth?” That indicates that the issue is not religious in nature.

“I was a member of the G-7, which later became the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and I can tell you that nobody talked about religion when that party was formed.” When it was formed in 1998, the North was concerned with national unity and did not present a candidate for President.

“We’ve had Presidents who were either Christians or Muslims in the past, but did that solve our problems?”

Gabam also urged Nigerians to use the 2023 election window to elect a leader capable of putting the country on a solid footing, emphasizing that the next election cycle must be used to change the sorry story of a country so blessed, yet so poor.

“We can’t keep moaning, but 2023 is a chance to elect a young, vibrant leader brimming with ideas for how to help a nation grow and survive.”

“Nigerians should consider their options and decide whether to continue their tale of woe or sing a new song of liberty.” “It’s their decision,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gabam has advised those concerned about Tinubu’s stolen certificates to focus their efforts on more worthwhile endeavors, saying, “Tinubu has a rich history. He has previously served as a senator and governor.

“The emphasis in civilized societies is on competence rather than certificates.” A screening panel cleared him and gave him a clean bill of health. That, I believe, is sufficient. I am not an APC member, but I speak as a well-informed Nigerian.”

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