By Samuel Aruwan
Kaduna
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday kicked against the idea of Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian presidential candidates and running mates ahead of the 2015 presidential election.
The former president cautioned both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) against the move he described as insensitive of Nigeria’s diversity and complexities.
Obasanjo also cautioned that fear of so called ‘Islamization’ and ‘Christianization’ is dangerous for Nigeria’s unity which must be avoided for national unity and stability.
Obasanjo, in a statement, was literally responding to a comment credited to General Muhammadu Buhari who is quoted to have expressed satisfaction with Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim tickets on the grounds that religion is not Nigeria’s major problem, but manipulation of religion for political gains.
Obasanjo in his take said: “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust. It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim- Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.”
On the need to avoid the possibility of Christian-Christian and Muslim-Muslim tickets, the former president added: “Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the specter and fear of Islamization or Christianization.
“The idea of proselytization in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.
“Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allayed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed.”