Smart Adeyemi, a senator representing Kogi west on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, has proposed a bill to prohibit nominating candidates of the same religion on a joint ticket.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, September 4, Adeyemi said the bill, which would stop a presidential candidate from choosing a running mate who shares the same religious affiliation, seeks to amend the electoral act.
He said, “I, at this moment, propose an amendment of section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 by inserting a new sub-section 3.
“When this is accommodated, it will serve as a guide against any oversight such as this in the future, as further occurrences will be deemed as silent policies which will be capable of bringing down the nation’s fabrics.
“As a statesman, I owe myself the responsibility to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of mischievous misinterpretations.”
Adeyemi added that though he supports Tinubu and Shettima, the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the Muslim-Muslim ticket are valid.
He said, “But we must not confront these issues in such a manner that will obstruct the fabric of our national unity, peace and stability, which we have all fought very hard to keep.
“Yes, there have been oversights in key appointments in the past, which tends to keep the Christians at a disadvantage, and this has caused apprehension amongst us.
“However, let us, in the unity of faith in our nation and above all, in the almighty God, give our support to the APC presidential and vice-presidential candidates to pilot the affairs of our nation within the stipulated time.”
For the 2023 elections in Nigeria, the All progressives congress presents Nigerians with a Muslim – Muslim Ticket for the Presidential Candidate and the Vice Presidential candidates.
