The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has issued an apology to Nigerian christians over the party’s choice of a presidential candidate and running mate of the Muslim religion.
Recall that the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu opted for former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima as his running mate even though they are both muslim.
Akeredolu appealed to christian leaders to help talk to their followers about the need to forgive and give the party a chance.
The governor’s appeal was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, on Monday
According to the statement, Akeredolu who is also the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum spoke on Sunday at the 40th Holy Ghost Convention Dinner of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Akeredolu said, “I understand our feelings because I am one of you. I am a Christian. All of us here are worried. What will be our gain, and that, why is my party, the APC, throwing up a Muslim-Muslim ticket?
“It has been a real issue for all of us; even members of the party. We have debated it, fought it and done so many things about it. I have always said to people, that my fight was for a Southern President. Now it has come to the South-West, will I now throw the baby away with the bathwater? Can I, in all honesty, do it? Should I, in all honesty, do it?
“We call it a matter of coincidence. It is a matter of conscience. All of us are here, why don’t we look at it from one angle? The buck stops on the table of the President. Do we have a capable hand who can manage the affairs if given the opportunity? Do you have a man who is bold enough to challenge incursions into our land? That is it.
“All of us here have lived together for years, and we didn’t allow religion to cause a fight among us. We have Muslims in our families and there is no fight. We have many leaders in Yoruba land who have both Muslims and Christians in their families and there is no fight.
“So, we want to appeal to our people that this is our time. I want to appeal to all our senior pastors and general overseers to help talk to their followers. We politicians can only do little. This is our time, please don’t be angry.”
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