We reject the same-faith ticket because it is unhealthy for Nigeria, says Bishop Akinola

By Adeleye Kunle

THE Christ Global Network Presbyter, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, and the General Overseer of Rhema Christian Church and Towers International, with headquarters in Sango Otta, Ogun State, expressed strong opposition to the same faith ticket for the 2023 general elections, describing it as unhealthy for today’s Nigeria, Track News reports.

He stated this during a press conference held in conjunction with the New Wine Fire Conference 2022, with the theme “Flowing In The Messianic Anointing,” explaining that the same faith ticket, particularly at the presidency, would further entrench national division.

Bishop Akinola advised all political parties to abandon any monofaith permutation that could fuel a new outcry against the real or perceived allegation of an islamization agenda, exacerbating the country’s current religious crisis.

“We make the bold claim that the same faith ticket, particularly at the presidency, would further entrench national division and disunity,” he says. We are aware that the idea of a Muslim-Muslim candidature is being discussed in some high-level political circles today. But, as true citizens of this country, we are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of such a thought, which is why we are speaking out now, before it is too late.

“As a body of believers, we say no to any Muslim-Muslim candidate running on the same ticket.” It is true that political calculations sometimes necessitate difficult decisions, but we strongly advise all major parties, including the APC, PDP, NNPP, and LP, and their candidates, that running on the basis of faith is not a viable option in today’s Nigeria.

“A Muslim-Muslim ticket would unwittingly fuel a new outcry against the real or perceived allegation of an islamization agenda, escalating our current religious crisis.” It is therefore logical to avoid it entirely. We strongly urge all political actors to avoid it at all costs.

“We implore all major political parties in Nigeria to strike a religious balance in order to achieve unity and peace in our land.” It is a sad commentary on our kind of politics in this country that some politicians are only concerned with winning elections, regardless of whether they need the country in the end. Why, I ask, should any political party consider complicating our already complex and long-standing issues just to win an election?

“In Nigeria, our priority should be peace and unity, not winning elections at any cost.” Some of those pushing for this callous agenda are only interested in themselves, not in the well-being of the country. No patriotic Nigerian would vote for a deal that could lead to the country’s demise.

“Our candid advice is for all political parties to abandon any Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian permutation.” We see it as insensitive, immoral, unjust, grossly disrespectful of other people’s faith, suspicious, and prone to violence, and we pray that it fails.

“If merit is our consideration, no religion or region has a monopoly on qualified people who have the capacity to serve as president or running mate to a presidential candidate.” Everyone in Nigeria is important, and every religious preference is significant. What is unacceptable is the current political permutation that is entrenching domination of one region over another; a situation in which a certain group or region considers it a right to rule indefinitely while others are cast aside from the scheme of things should be exposed for what it is. He described it as “insensitive, condescending, and disrespectful.”

As a side note to today’s major event, “we feel compelled to publicly express our views on current national political developments, particularly with regard to General Elections 2023, as a means of lending our voice to the concerns of the voiceless among us, as well as contributing our quota to the complex, but vital, task of nation building.”

“It is the Church of Jesus Christ’s critical role in any geographical delineation to positively impact her system of governance, growth, and development, as well as to clearly contribute to the delivery of other social outputs that are critical to nation building.”

“Today, it is clear that God’s commandments concerning justice, integrity, humility, love, fairness, and equity are being ignored in our beloved nation Nigeria.” This raises serious concerns because, as history has shown, whenever a nation’s right religious/moral foundations erode, the nation follows suit.

“Of course, vices do have social consequences. In some quarters today, patriotism and due respect for national identities have degenerated into agitations and disillusionment, simply because of real or perceived political injustices, impunity, greed and vain pursuits with which some of our political leaders have destroyed our economy and made the nation’s infrastructure to deteriorate and decay,” Bishop Akinola further argued.

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