ASITU condemns Muslim-Muslim presidential slate as biased, demands faith representation balance

n n

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

n

UMUAHIA — The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the prospect of retaining a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing the arrangement as unfair and inconsistent with Nigeria’s religious diversity.

n

In a statement, the National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, said another Muslim-Muslim ticket would undermine fairness, religious balance and inclusiveness in a multi-faith country like Nigeria.

n

Diwe argued that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be reflected in political leadership to promote a sense of belonging among adherents of different faiths.

n

According to him, political considerations should not override the need for inclusiveness and national unity.

n

“Nigeria is a multi-faith country. The APC has failed to recognise the country’s religious diversity. The APC ticket is unbalanced and does not reflect the inclusiveness expected in a plural society.

n

“Adherents of other religions need to be given a sense of belonging and inclusiveness. Nigeria’s religious diversity must be recognised to avoid the impression that one religion is being promoted above another,” he said.

n

The ASITU president warned that failure to reflect the country’s diversity in political leadership could heighten religious tensions.

n

He urged the APC and President Bola Tinubu to ensure that national unity and inclusiveness remain key considerations in future political decisions.

n n