An All Progressives Congress (APC) senator, Smart Adeyemi, has proposed a bill seeking to prohibit the nomination of candidates of the same religion on a joint ticket.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday September 4, Adeyemi said the bill which would stop a presidential candidate from choosing a running mate who shares the same religious affiliation, seeks to amend the electoral act.
Adeyemi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, said the bill was seeking to amend section 84 of the Act by inserting a new subsection (3).
He said;
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
“I hereby propose an amendment of section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 by inserting a new sub-section 3.
“When this is accommodated, it will serve as a guide against any oversight such as this in the future, as further occurrences will be deemed as silent policies which will be capable of bringing down the fabrics of the nation.
“For me, as a statesman, I owe myself the responsibility to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of mischievous misinterpretations.”
Adeyemi added that though he supports Tinubu and Shettima, given their individual steering performances and pedigrees in governance. the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the Muslim-Muslim ticket cannot be over looked.
Read also: 2023: INEC Told to Disqualify Peter Obi, Ahmed Datti Over Criminal Behaviour
He said;
“But we must not confront these issues in such a manner that will obstruct the fabric of our national unity, peace and stability which we have all fought very hard to keep.
“Yes, there have been oversights in key appointments in the past, which tends to keep the Christians at a disadvantage, and this has caused apprehension amongst us.
“However, let us, in unity of faith in our nation and above all, in the almighty God, give our support to the APC presidential and vice-presidential candidates to pilot the affairs of our nation within the stipulated time.”
