By JOHN NWOKOCHA, Abuja

The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Thursday slammed the All Progressives Party (APC) over the Muslim-Muslim candidacy present by the party for the 2023 presidential election, saying, “We abhor same-faith candidature for the Presidency”.

Expressing sadness over the same faith insistence by the APC despite its rejection within the APC and some Nigerian Christians, National President of FGBMFI, Arc Ifeanyi Odedo, in his response to a question while briefing the press the organisation’s plans towards its forthcoming 2022 National Convention, billed to take place in Abuja, from November 10 to 12, said, “We believe that sensitive positions should be spread among the two major religions”.

He said further, “Nigeria is known for her diversity. There is need to avoid playing down of one religion by another. He said the leaders should always strive for inclusiveness over national issues. “On account of that, for the purpose of inclusiveness and as much as possible avoid same faith candidature for presidency of our nation”. He also noted that, “certainly Nigeria is known for her diversity in our both callings, tribes and in our faiths”. And so our fellowship believes that the ideal thing is a mix of the two dominant faiths in the country.”

News Express recalls that controversy has been trailing the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the APC, which is offering Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as president and vice president, respectively.

The FGBMFI stated however, that as a “spiritual gatekeeper” it owes Nigeria a responsibility to contribute towards choosing credible leaders in the next elections.

Odedo called on eligible electorate to vote in credible and not mediocres, at all levels. He also noted with dismay the negative effects of money politics in the country.

He warned against money politics and vote buying this time around.

He said the National Convention will afford members of the organisation to pray against the worrisome insecurity which the country is grappling with, as well as articulate the support of patriotic Nigerians and partner with the government in achieving a successful election.

Similarly, he said, that while leadership of the organisation will use the occasion of the Convention to appeal to the conscience of Nigerians to vote for capable people at the polls, those in critical political positions would also be urged to double efforts towards ending endemic insecurity across the country.

On insecurity, he said: “We want to use this occasion to commend the Federal Government for its efforts at fighting insecurity and working to bring socio-economic stability in the land.

‘We however, appeal that no stone should be left unturned to ensure that we bring a permanent solution to the problems of insecurity confronting this nation and the economic hardship that Nigerians are facing today”.

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