An Islamic cleric has defended his support for the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying he has no regrets about the position he took despite the controversy it generated.
The cleric said his decision was based on his political conviction and assessment of what he believed was in the best interest of the country.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket became one of the most contentious issues surrounding the 2023 presidential election after the All Progressives Congress (APC) fielded Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Supporters argued that competence and political considerations should take precedence over religious balancing, while critics maintained that an all-Muslim ticket could deepen concerns about religious inclusion in a religiously diverse country.
The debate has continued beyond the election, with prominent political figures and religious leaders expressing contrasting views on the decision.
In defending his position, the cleric said he remained convinced that supporting the ticket was the right decision and rejected suggestions that he should reconsider or apologise for his stance.
His comments come amid renewed debate over the role of religion in Nigerian politics and whether political parties should prioritise religious balance when selecting presidential candidates and their running mates.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket is not unprecedented in Nigeria. In the 1993 presidential election, the Social Democratic Party fielded Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, both Muslims, although the election was subsequently annulled by the military government.
The issue remains politically sensitive, particularly in a country where Christians and Muslims constitute the two dominant religious communities.
The cleric’s remarks are therefore likely to fuel further discussion over whether religious identity should influence electoral choices or whether political competence and governance should remain the primary considerations for voters.
