By Ernest Nzor, Abuja
HUMAN Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) has faulted the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Recall that Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, who are standing for the February 25, 2023 poll, are of same faith.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, said the ticket was unconstitutional and violated democratic tenets of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), warning that the development could spark a religious war capable of tearing the country farther apart.
The group cautioned: “Section 318 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is clear on federal character principle as one to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging.
“Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) also notes that Nigeria shall be a state based on principles of democracy and social justice. The section underscores the need to promote fairness, equity and national unity in the composition of the Federal Government.
“However, the APC acted in total violation of this principle with the selection of a fellow Muslim, a former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate. The mortal danger in electing a Muslim-Muslim ticket or same faith ticket in a multi-religious society like Nigeria is unimaginable.”
Source: The Guardian
