Terver Akase, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, has berated the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, over its choice of presidential candidate and running mate.
APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu who is a Yoruba Muslim, on Sunday, announced a former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
The development is currently generating controversy as some stakeholders kicked against the Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying the Christians are not represented.
Tinubu, in a statement confirming his choice of running mate, had likened his move to MKO Abiola’s choice of running mate in 1993.
According to him, religion has never been a problem in choosing a running mate in the country.
Reacting, Akase said in a post on his official Facebook page that it was an error to compare the current political dispensation to that of Abiola’s time.
He said the choice of the ruling party in electing its leaders and presidential candidate, shows its regard for the yearning of Nigerians.
He said, “1993 is not 2023. In 1993, Nigeria was not divided on religious grounds as it is now. In addition, MKO Abiola was loved across party lines. He was a man of the people. That’s why he defeated his opponent Bashir Tofa in his state, Kano.
“A political party that truly loves this country and wants to unite the people and rebuild confidence will seek to close the divisions by being sensitive. Their choice of presidential running mate confirms how that party takes the feelings of Nigerians.
“Check out their team: Presidential candidate – Muslim, running mate – Muslim, the current National Chairman of the party – Muslim.
“Now they are telling us that religion doesn’t matter in elections. The question is; if religion doesn’t matter, why does region matter? Why did he not choose his running mate from the South West?”
