The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against fielding Muslims as presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates for the 2023 general elections.
The CAN President, Rev. Samson Supo Ayokunle, gave the warning on Sunday at an Inter-Denominational Church Service to mark 2022 Democracy Day in Abuja, with the theme: “ More than Conquerors”.
Mr Ayokunle, who was represented by the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said it will do Nigeria no good.
According to him, every part of Nigeria and religion has competent people with potential to rule the country.
He said that balancing the ticket from both divide of religion would help to reduce the tension in the country, give everybody a sense of belonging, promote peaceful and mutual coexistence without stress.
“While we congratulate the winners for the presidential primaries, we urge them to pay attention to this cry from the church. It is important.
“Please do not try a Muslim-Muslim ticket; is an invitation to chaos. It will not fly. It will set the nation against each other,” he said.
He, however, called on millions of Christians in every part of the nation to know that the candidates produced by all political parties belong to all, both Muslim and Christians.
“We don’t have any quarel with that, they are our brothers. We have been working together to build a united nation, but please do not alienate the church.
“If you choose to heed our call, the Nigerian electorate at the polls, the Nigeria populace will trust you with the presidency and we will build one, united and prosperous nation,” the CAN president said.
He, however, prayed for the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, peace of the country and end to violence, insurgency and kidnapping in the country.
The second bible reading Romance 8:31- 39 was read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by the House of Rep. Deputy Chief Whip, Nkiruka Onyejeocha.
The first and second reeditions were taken by the Non-Denominational Christian Choir Association of Nigeria, NCCN, and ECWA Garki Church, Council Choir, respective.
