How are Nigerian Christians responding to the all-Muslim presidential ticket

Nigerian Christians are responding to the all-Muslim presidential ticket with a mix of concern, outrage, and calls for active participation in the electoral process. The decision by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket has been met with significant backlash from Christian leaders and organizations, who view it as a departure from Nigeria’s traditional practice of pairing candidates from different religions.

Key Responses from Christian Leaders

• Concerns Over Religious Dominance: Prominent Christian leaders have expressed that the all-Muslim ticket is indicative of a broader agenda to establish religious dominance in Nigerian politics. The Catholic bishops’ conference stated that while there is nothing inherently wrong with a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket in a democratic context, the current atmosphere of distrust and violence makes it unacceptable. They emphasized that mutual respect and the common good should guide political choices, which they believe is currently lacking.

• Calls for Engagement: Despite fears of intimidation at the polls, Christian leaders are urging their communities to remain engaged in the democratic process. Henry Hoomlong Yunkwap, national chairman of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, encouraged Christians not to shy away from voting due to fear. He emphasized the importance of defending their rights and participating actively in elections.

• Mobilization for Voting: Many churches have begun mobilizing their congregations to ensure they are registered and prepared to vote. This grassroots effort aims to ensure that Christians make their voices heard in response to what they perceive as an exclusionary political landscape.

Broader Implications

• Fear of Increased Sectarian Tensions: The framing of the APC’s ticket as a jihad by Islamic clerics has alarmed many Christians, who fear it could exacerbate sectarian tensions and lead to further violence against their communities. Local leaders have described this rhetoric as shocking and disheartening, warning that it could push Nigeria closer to political disintegration.

• Criticism of Political Insensitivity: Christian groups have criticized the APC’s decision as insensitive, particularly given the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria. They argue that such a choice undermines national unity and could lead to further marginalization within political structures.

• Call for Balanced Representation: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reiterated its stance that political representation should reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity. They have called for candidates to choose running mates from different faiths to promote unity and peace within the country.

In summary, Nigerian Christians are responding to the all-Muslim presidential ticket with a blend of alarm over potential sectarian conflict and a commitment to actively participate in upcoming elections. Their calls for unity and engagement reflect deep concerns about religious representation and national cohesion in a country marked by significant religious diversity and ongoing violence.