CAN Tells APC To Avoid MKO’s Mistake

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has urged the All Progressives Congress  (APC) and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to avoid what it referred to as  the biggest mistake made by late  Chief M.K.O Abiola.

CAN  in a statement signed by its Vice Chairman, North East Zone, Rev (Dr) Innocent Rubiruka Solomon noted that Abiola was a successful grassroots politician, who won  the 1993 presidential election  that was adjudged to be the most credible in  the history of the country.

He said one of the greatest mistakes that Abiola made while alive and active in pursuit of his presidential bid was his decision to  come up with a Muslim-Muslim presidential  ticket ahead of the election.

‘Have we asked why the election  was adjudged to be the most credible in the Democratic history of Nigeria and yet its government was not to be? Have we ever cared to know the mystery behind the annulment?

Could it just be that the former military leader,  retired General Ibrahim Babangida, just on his own decided to do the impossible? Was it not something beyond his control, a mystery that no mortal could explain?

Nigeria as a result of that annulment passed through one of its most critical and difficult periods  in history which eventually led to the death of one of Nigeria’s illustrious leader, a remarkable personality who died in custody in an attempt to recover the mandate.

Our political leaders must learn from our mistakes of the past or we will further the nation away from peace stability and progress. God forbid’ he said

CAN also cautioned the APC against  allowing  the stand-in  vice presidential candidate , Alhaji Ibrahim Masari  to get a permanent status saying that no party can win the presidential election without the Christians in the North

‘Any party for that matter must avoid the pitfalls of setting Nigeria’s religious communities into political blocks that may result in the greatest religious disharmony in the Country.

Such a decision is precarious. No political party should try it, I passionately appeal. Religion is to guide the people and the nation and not to set the people against each other.

Political decisions must be fair and just. Democracy must be all -inclusive. Christians, Muslims and people of all faiths must be duly recognized and carried along. Christian -Christian ticket or Muslim-Muslim ticket is not in the interest of a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria’  the statement submitted-

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