One of the Christian leaders that attended the unveiling of Alhaji Kashim Shettima as running mate to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, in Abuja, has given reasons why they were at the event despite protestations from several Christian quarters against fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket by the ruling Party.
Recall that there had been wide condemnation for the Christian leaders who attended the event and some people have even referred to them as ‘fake pastor’ while the umbrella body for Christians, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had tasked the Party to name the Christian leaders at the event.
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But one of the clergymen at the event, who identified himself as Bishop Igbokwe Benson, the Senior Pastor Yoke Breaker Prophetic Ministry in Abuja and Founder of Muslim and Christian North International Foundation, said they were at the unveiling to foster religious harmony and show solidarity with the Muslims on the backlash that trailed the naming of Kashim Shettima.
In the words of Bishop Igbokwe, “We believe in the unity of the country and religious harmony.
“We are here to show solidarity and pray and advise anywhere it is necessary for the party to get it right in 2023.
“In politics Christian communities and Christian organisations I don’t think they are political parties. What the party has done in the best interest of the party.
“The Party decides what they feel is in their best interest to win the election. Every Party wants to win an election.”
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When propped further, whether he and his colleagues felt excluded as a Christian when the APC went for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, Bishop Igbokwe continued, “No. We have protested severally. We did press conferences in support of Bishop Yakubu Pam of Executive Secretary of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board to be fielded as running mate to Tinubu, but the party is supreme.
“The party decides what is going to be the best for them to win an election.
“So, if you bring religion inside political party, it will not augur well and it will not give them the edge to win the election.”
