Kwara: Christian group appeals to Tinubu for Christian guber candidate

Stephen Oladele

Kwara: Christian group appeals to Tinubu for Christian guber candidate

A christian group which picks interest in All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to see to emergence of a christian as the governorship candidate of the party in Kwara State in 2027 election.

The group which spoke under the aegis of  Conglomerate of Kwara State Christian Communities also urged the state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who is the leader of the APC in the state to consider its appeal.

The group while clarifying that it did not represent the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) nor any other christian body but itself said it came out with this demand because of its interest in fairness, inclusivity and equity in the  religious segment of the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin, the Convener of the group, Reverend Felix Ajide said a Christian civilian governor has only ruled the state for three months when Chief Cornelius Adebayo governed between October and December, 1983 in the second republic.

He said since all other governors have been Muslims who have ruled for many years, his group believes that it was time a christian is considered for the office.

He explained that the group in making the request does not mean competence should be compromised as it believes that among the aspirants within the APC there are competent christians.

The clergyman also said there was a poll conducted among residents in the state that shows that the topmost interest of the residents is competency that would assure development of the state.

He said if a competent Christian aspirant is chosen it would not only ensure development but also unity and progress in the state.

Ajide who said christians have over the years worked hand in hand with muslims for the development of the state said the request of his group should not be seen as a call for division emphasising that it was for balance and incusivity.

He stated: “Our appeal to Mr President is a sincere call for fairness, inclusivity and equity in the political arrangement of Kwara State, while recognising the need for a candidate who possesses the competence, capacity and broad acceptability required to lead the state.

“The Christian communities of Kwara State have consistently contributed to the political development, peace and stability of the state. We have worked hand-in-hand with our Muslim brothers and sisters over decades, and our appeal should not be interpreted as a call for division, but as a request for balance and inclusion in the spirit of fairness.

“The issue before us is not about religion replacing competence. Rather, it is about ensuring that competence is given the opportunity to thrive within an inclusive political framework.

“Recent findings from the Africa Polling Institute (API) support the position that Kwarans are ready to embrace leadership beyond religious boundaries, provided the candidate is competent and capable.

“The survey revealed that 90 per cent of Muslim respondents are willing to support a competent Christian candidate, while 98 per cent of Christian respondents are willing to support a competent Muslim candidate. It further showed that 93 per cent of respondents would support a good candidate regardless of religious background.

“These findings demonstrate that Kwara remains a state where merit, character and capacity can unite the people. The conversation around 2027 should therefore focus on identifying leaders who can bring people together and deliver meaningful development.

“In this regard, we wish to state clearly that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has within its fold competent Christian aspirants capable of providing quality leadership to Kwara State.

“Among such aspirants are Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) and Dr. Toyin Alabi, whose experience, competence and commitment to public service represent the kind of qualities voters continue to demand.

“Our appeal is therefore not a rejection of any section of Kwara society. It is a call for a leadership arrangement that reflects fairness, strengthens unity and gives every segment of the state a sense of belonging.

“We believe that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a leader known for promoting inclusion and political accommodation, will carefully consider the aspirations of the Christian community while making decisions concerning the future of Kwara State.

“We remain committed to peaceful coexistence with our Muslim brothers and sisters and to supporting any political process that produces competent, visionary and people-centred leadership.