By Ugochukwu Alaribe
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.
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.
Diwe argued that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be reflected in political leadership to promote a sense of belonging among adherents of different faiths.
According to him, political considerations should not override the need for inclusiveness and national unity.
“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.
“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.
The ASITU president warned that failure to reflect the country’s diversity in political leadership could heighten religious tensions.
He urged the APC and President Bola Tinubu to ensure that national unity and inclusiveness remain key considerations in future political decisions.
