Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has warned political parties across the country against fielding a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket in the 2015 elections, describing it as dangerous and sensitive.
In a statement signed by the former president, he said Nigeria was too religious conscious and sensitive for that arrangement.
Obasanjo’s advice came following a statement by a presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, that he had nothing against a Muslim-Muslim ticket, as he is being tipped to become the party’s flag bearer for the 2015 presidential election.
Obasanjo stated that “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust.
“It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.
“Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamization or Christianization. The idea of proselytization in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.
“Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allowed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed,” the statement by Obasanjo read.
