By There are strong indications that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has opted for a Muslim as his running mate for the 2023 elections.
Since his emergence as the APC flagbearer, Tinubu, a Southern Muslim, the former Lagos State governor had been under intense pressure over his choice of a running mate, with feelers that he might settle for a Muslim Northerner to bolster his chances of winning the polls.
However, prominent groups and stakeholders including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had kicked against such move, describing a Muslim-Muslim ticket as an attempt to fuel religious tensions in the country.
The National Coalition for Democracy, Peace and Unity (NCDPU), had also warned the APC against a Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying the ruling party would lose the votes of Northern Christians if Tinubu picks a Muslim as his running mate.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) had equally cautioned the former governor to stop contemplating fielding a Muslim as his running mate.
Recent reports indicate that Tinubu appears to have ignored the calls and picked a fellow Muslim as his VP.
According to NAN, a source in the Tinubu Campaign Organisation confirmed the development, adding that the APC standard-bearer is expected to unveil his choice in the coming days.
“The vice-presidential nominee may most likely be a former governor and senator from the Northeast part of Nigeria,” the source was quoted to have said.
“The person is also by accident of birth a Muslim, confirming what Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State said on Saturday that Tinubu had settled for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.”
On Friday, Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje disclosed that Tinubu has agreed to pick a Muslim vice-presidential candidate.
Tinubu is also expected to visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina, on Sunday to reveal his running mate.
This development means the APC will be replacing Ibrahim Kabir Masari, who was earlier named as its ‘placeholder’ vice-presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, there are 5 days left to the July 15 deadline issued by INEC to political parties to submit the final names of their presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
