The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, yesterday, disagreed with former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr Babachir Lawal, for labeling ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, an Islamic party.
Lawal, who had on Tuesday said Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, won the 2023 presidential poll and not President Bola Tinubu of the APC, who he said came a distant third, continued his attacks on the party, yesterday.
Responding to the APC’s counter by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, that he was angry and attacking the party because President Tinubu did not choose him as running mate, Lawal restated his stance and added that APC was now led by Muslims who take decisions in mosques. Claiming that President Tinubu’s men were reaching out to him, he expressed sympathies for Morka and other APC leaders he described as ‘sycophantic, second class’ members.
Contacted on the issue yesterday, APC spokesman, Mr. Morka, said he had no reaction.
However, CAN denounced the practice of labeling political parties based on religious affiliations, asserting that such actions undermined inclusivity and respect for religious diversity in the country.
Also, the JNI challenged Lawal to prove how a national party with elected officials across the country had become an Islamic party.
In an interview with Vanguard, a senior CAN official, who requested anonymity due to the national leadership’s resolution to remain apolitical, emphasized the impropriety of categorizing a political party ‘Islamic’ or representing any specific religious group.
Moreover, CAN said it didn’t endorse any political party or candidate, maintaining a stance of neutrality.
The Christian body, however, said it encouraged its members to make informed decisions based on their individual beliefs and values.
It called on political parties and politicians to focus on issues of national development, good governance, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
While reiterating that the views expressed by Lawal were his alone and should not be attributed to any Christian denomination, the CAN senior official emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue, tolerance, and unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of their political or religious inclinations.
According to him, these values are crucial for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
The official said: “Regarding Mr. Lawal’s statement, it is his personal opinion and does not reflect the official position of any church or Christian denomination. It is crucial to separate personal opinions from the official stance of any organization, including CAN.
“Furthermore, it is not appropriate to label a political party as ‘Islamic’ or any other religious denomination. Political parties are composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and beliefs, including members of different religious groups.
‘’It is essential to promote inclusivity and respect for religious diversity within the political sphere.
“CAN encourages political parties and candidates to focus on issues of national development, good governance, and the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations. We believe in a democratic process that upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.”
He should explain what makes APC Islamic party – JNI
Also speaking, Malam Ibrahim Kufena, Secretary of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, Kaduna State chapter, said Lawal should have explained further how APC was an Islamic party. His words: “You should have asked him, what basis is APC an Islamic party? Imo, Ebonyi and other states where there is APC, are they Islamic states? Even in places like Kano, are they all doing APC?
“So, I don’t know what he is talking about. He should have explained further the basis on which he categorised APC as an Islamic party.”
Peoplesmind