Christian-Christian ticket will win Nigeria's presidency one day
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has argued that Nigeria's constitution does not mandate religious balancing for political tickets. He expressed hope that a Christian-Christian presidential ticket will eventually succeed in the country, citing competence as the primary factor for appointments.
Why it matters
The statement touches on sensitive debates regarding Nigeria's 'federal character' and the informal power-sharing agreements between the country's major religious groups.
Layer 1 Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed confidence that Nigeria will eventually elect a president and vice-president on a Christian-Christian ticket, insisting that the country’s Constitution does not require religious balancing in political appointments or electoral tickets.
Sule stated this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today while responding to criticism by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over issues of political representation.
The governor dismissed the criticism as a normal feature of opposition politics.
“I think it is normal for Senator Kwankwaso, whom I respect a lot, to say that because he’s opposition. He cannot say anything good. It is expected of him to say that,” he said.
Sule argued that the 1999 Constitution focuses on inclusiveness and federal character rather than religion.
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