The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for insisting on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, despite general outcry.
The church noted that it was irresponsible of the APC to place its political survival over the stability and peace of Nigeria.
The Anglican Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Rev. Dr. Duke Akamisoko, stated these in an interview with journalists during the 2022 Pre-Synod briefing which was held in Abuja.
He described the party’s same-faith ticket as totally unacceptable to the Anglican Communion; adding that it constituted a gross abuse of our collective sensitivity as a nation.
Akamisoko said, “Muslim-Muslim ticket at a time like this is a demonstration of insensitivity to the plurality of religion; the polarised nature of Nigeria; the plight of Christians in Nigeria and the feelings of Christians in Northern Nigeria etc.
“In fact, it is a direct insult on the entire Christendom. The APC has made a choice; it is left to Christians in Nigeria to also make their choice.
“There can never be a rational explanation for such a selfish, greedy and self-centered decision by the APC. It is irresponsible of the APC to take its political survival over the stability and peace of Nigeria.
“The party ought to have taken a cue from the opposition against his vice presidential ambition and how President Muhammadu Buhari opted for a Christian running mate in 2015 instead of the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“A Muslim-Muslim ticket is the greatest insult on the Christian community, especially in the Northern region. Is APC saying that there is no Northern Christian who is intelligent enough to be its running mate? Is APC saying that there is no Northern Christian who has a political value to deliver victory to it? Definitely, the answer is NO.”
He also spoke on other burning issues of national interest such as the lingering industrial action by university lecturers, insecurity, anti-graft war, the 2023 general election among others.
Speaking on the five-month-old strike by varsity workers, the Anglican Bishop warned that any country that did not take the education of its youths seriously was already preparing for a dooms day.
“For several months, ASUU, NASU and ASUP have been on strike. This is a very bad omen for our country.
“An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Youths that are out of school are prone to participate in any act that can breach the peace and security of the country.
“Abandoning our youths in the wilderness of ASUU strike for the past five months is a great disservice to the Nigerian youths and the nation in general.
“The Federal Government should place more premium on the education sector, if indeed we are hoping for a better tomorrow,” he said.