The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), has berated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), over its stance on the ruling party's all Muslim ticket, saying the decision to pick a Muslim running mate is more about which religion has significant electoral value in the North, than mere religion.
They claimed the APC understood the Northern political terrain, and went with a formula they believe will give them what they want.
The position of the Sharia Council was disclosed by its Secretary AbdurRahman Hassan, in Kaduna State as reported by Daily Sun.
“The Council is observing all the happenings regarding the Muslim-Muslim ticket of APC, most especially the unhealthy and provocative comments by CAN on the issue.
“We appreciate the right of each party to chose its flag-bearer. This is democracy, you don’t expect the majority Muslim north to be neglected in the political equation of this country.
“We thought CAN would toe the line of Orji Uzo Kalu who reasoned with democratic finesse about the Muslim-Muslim ticket, instead of joining the bandwagon of religious fanaticism.
“Regarding some Muslim clerics who go against Muslim-Muslim ticket, they are entitled to their opinion, which can’t go down well with majority Muslim north.
“Sometimes people forget history. In 1979, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe nominated Prof. Ishaya Audu(a Christian)as his running mate. No Muslim or Muslim group in Nigeria decried any foul play.
“Why the shouts now because of what the APC did. Let’s concentrate on choosing competent and trustworthy leaders, instead of trivializing the the issues at stake. Whoever decries a particular combination of candidates can simply go for another”. Hassan said.