Yoruba mainstream political and cultural group,Afenifere, has reacted to renewed debate over Muslim-Muslim ticket saying leadership must br judged by performance and not religion.
In a statement Tuesday signed by National organising secretary,Abagun Kole Omololu,the group described the renewed attempts by certain groups to rekindle controversy over the APCs Muslim-Muslim ticket as diversionary.
Full statement:
The attention of Afenifere has been drawn to renewed attempts by certain political interests to rekindle controversy over the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. We consider it necessary to restate our principled position on this matter.
Afenifere is not a religious organisation. It is a pan-Yoruba socio-political movement established to protect, promote and advance the collective interests of the Yoruba people wherever they reside across the globe. Our enduring commitment has always been to justice, equity,
constitutional democracy, good governance and the welfare of the people, irrespective of religious affiliation.
While some politicians may seek to weaponise religion for partisan advantage, the overwhelming majority of Nigerians are far more concerned about security, economic opportunity, affordable living, quality education, healthcare and accountable leadership than about the faith of those entrusted with public office.
History offers ample evidence that Nigerians have consistently demonstrated political maturity by placing competence above creed. Alhaji Lateef Jakande, widely regarded as one of the finest governors Nigeria has produced, was a Muslim, as was his deputy, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, notwithstanding the overwhelmingly Christian population of Lagos State. Their administration remains an enduring benchmark for visionary and people-centred governance.
Likewise, in 1979, Chief Obafemi Awolowo chose Chief Philip Umeadi, a Christian from the South-East, as his presidential running mate, despite the substantial Muslim voting population in Northern Nigeria. In 1993, Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Ambassador 0Babagana Kingibe, both Muslims, secured an unprecedented nationwide mandate because Nigerians judged them on character, competence and vision.
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Across Nigeria today, there are states where the Governor, Deputy Governor and the overwhelming majority of commissioners profess the same religion, whether Christianity or Islam. Yet no objective observer can honestly argue that such religious uniformity has automatically translated into better governance, greater security or stronger economic development.
The quality of leadership has never been determined by the religion of those in office, but by their integrity, competence, vision and commitment to public service.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima have not exhibited religious bigotry in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. Therefore, the continued preoccupation with the religious composition of the presidential ticket is both misplaced and unhelpful.
Nigeria’s pressing challenges remain insecurity, corruption, weak public institutions and, above all, the centralisation of power instead of genuine federalism. These are the issues that deserve the nation’s collective attention. Leadership should therefore be assessed by measurable results, constitutional fidelity and service to the people, not by religious identity.
Abagun Kole Omololu
National Organising Secretary, Afenifere
