THERE is unease in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the choice of running mate for its presidential candidate for the 2023 poll, Senator Bola Tinubu following the suggestion of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in certain quarters.
The situation is occasioned by the preponderance of individuals and caucuses in the party opposed to the option for the February 25 presidential poll.
Though the top echelon is keeping sealed lips on the matter, Nigerian Tribune noted that the issue is putting pressure on the major stakeholders of APC, as those opposed to the idea spoke on the immediate and long-term implications for the party.
By press time, the name of a former governor of Bornu State, Kashim Shettima resonated among possible choices as Tinubu’s running mate.
More groups on Monday joined the fray by warning that it would be a recipe for further crisis in APC if it disregards the clamour for the choice of a Christian as the running mate to Tinubu as a balancing act.
Leading the latest call, on Monday, the Coalition of Arewa Forum for Good Governance (CAFGG) coordinator, Garba Yunusa held that the idea of a Muslim-Muslim should be jettisoned in the interest of equity, justice and fairness.
Yususa said at a press conference in Kaduna that such a pairing that tends to underplay the sensibility of Nigerians would divide Nigeria, especially if the APC wins the general election. Yinusa said: “Nigerians are not unaware that Tinubu is a Muslim from the South-West geo-political zone. Thus, we feel it would be rational for a northern Christian, especially from the marginalized North-Central geo-political zone to be a running mate. Such a choice will also take care of the interest of the minorities.
“We strongly believe that once a Christian is picked, the warning and threats by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) would be taken care of.
“To douse the tension, we are calling on the winner of the standard-bearer of the APC, Senator Bola Tinubu to pick the only Northern-Christian Governor in the party, Mr Simon Lalong as his running mate.”