The All Progressives Congress (APC) decision to fly a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2013 general elections has been described as barbaric, irresponsible and unacceptable by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Kaduna state chapter. 

Speaking in a statement, Wednesday, chairman, PFN Kaduna state, Apostle Emmanuel Egoh Bako, noted that while both Muslims and Christians are suffocating under the highest level of insecurity, which has further reduced life expectancy of Nigerians, and are affected by the economic hardships brought by poor leadership, the religious fault lines in the past seven years have been widened, thus making a presidential ticket of only one religion ill-advised and with the potency to polarise the nation.

“I have noticed with great dismay the consistent disregard for our heterogeneous nature in Nigeria by our political players. This is done in the face of increasing weakness of the bond of unity. It is not only against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but against the plan of God.

“The new trend of fielding party flag bearers with individuals from one faith is not consistent with our federal system. It has the potency to polarise our beloved nation at this crucial moment that all true citizens are searching for unity. I see this as irresponsible decision and a disregard for our diversities. I wish to state that it is not acceptable.

“It is obvious that the decision is taken to cover up for the failure of government and to also spite other religions. Both Muslims and Christians are suffocating under the highest level of insecurity. This has further reduced our life expectancy in Nigeria. Apart from this, the religious fault lines in the past seven years have been widened. The responsibility of all political parties at this moment should be on strengthening national integration and not otherwise.”