Olusegun Obasanjo: Ex-President Warns Against All- Muslim Ticket For 2015 Elections

Chief Obasanjo stated that the current security situation in Nigeria should guide political parties against choosing candidates of the same religion to contest in the 2015 elections. Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has said that electing to have a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket for the presidential and vice-presidential positions of Nigeria would be a dangerous move. Chief Obasanjo stated that the current security situation in the country should guide political parties against choosing candidates of the same religion to contest in the 2015 elections. The former president said this in a statement made to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Sunday, October 26. It reads: “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust.” “It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim- Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.” “Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamisation or Christianisation. The idea of proselytisation in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious- minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.” “Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allayed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed.” Chief Obasanjo’s statement is believed to be a response to former military ruler and presidential aspirant » , Muhammadu Buhari who stated that he is not opposed to a Muslim- Muslim ticket. Buhari is allegedly seeking to choose the Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who is also a Muslim, as his running mate but the latter has denied the reports »