Foreign Affairs Forum

View Original

Nigeria 2023 elections

Introduction

Nigerian Christians are planning to respond to the Muslim-Muslim ticket in several ways.

In Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, two major candidates were Muslims:

Atiku Abubakar: Representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar is a Fulani Muslim from Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria.

Bola Tinubu: The candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu is a Yoruba Muslim from Lagos State in the southwestern region.

Bola Tinbu was elected Presidnet of Nigeria

The third prominent candidate, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, is a Christian from Anambra State in the southeast.

Political Engagement

Increased participation in the electoral process

Encouraging Christians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)

Supporting credible candidates who align with their values

Strategic Voting

Some Christians have shifted support to Peter Obi, a Christian candidate

Others have abstained from voting for the APC ticket

There’s a focus on maximizing votes in the southeast, south south, southwest, and northcentral regions

Religious Leadership

Christian leaders are calling for faith in Nigeria’s future despite concerns

They’re urging Christians to remain engaged in the democratic process

Some are advocating for Christians to play a more self-conscious role in politics

Public Advocacy

Protests have been organized against the all-Muslim presidential ticket

Christian organizations have expressed concern over the ticket’s implications

There are calls for maintaining Nigeria’s tradition of religious balance in politics

Unity and Resilience

Leaders are encouraging Christians not to be demoralized by the situation

There’s a push to “defend your rights to their logical conclusion” at polling stations

Some are emphasizing the need for mutual trust and respect among all Nigerians

Conclusion

While there is significant concern among Nigerian Christians about the Muslim-Muslim ticket, the response has largely focused on democratic participation and peaceful advocacy rather than confrontational tactics.