Bola Tinubu meets CAN, says ‘My Children are Christians’

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu, has denied the charge that he has little regard for Christians.

Tinubu’s selection of Muslim Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2023 presidential race has sparked controversy.

Tinubu stated, during an interactive session with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), that the selection of Shettima had nothing to do with religion in response to those who labelled him as a religious bigot.

He stated that he had no objections to Christianity, which his wife and children practise.

“Why is Kashim Shettima a senator? Why an identical faith ticket? Well, I did not chose Senator Shettima in order to create a ticket with someone of the same faith. The ticket was designed with the same progressive and people-centered mindset. I will make a confession. I chose Senator Shettima because he would provide me with the most assistance in governing.”

“Choosing a Christian running mate would have been easier from a political standpoint. However, the simple path is rarely the correct one. The choosing of a running buddy is both a monumental and personal decision. It did not sit well with me that religious affiliation was the dominant factor in such an important decision. I am not claiming that there were no suitable and competent Christian possible running partners. I am arguing that the times we live in are not conducive to the good or adequate. There are pressing issues that do not lend themselves to a Christian or Muslim answer. We require the optimal solution.

“Every time I contemplated it, and I did so frequently, I reached the same conclusion: Kashim Shettima. His faith was irrelevant. He is a man of outstanding intelligence and brilliance. He is diligent and attentive to detail. Shettima possesses exceptional organisational skills and is completely aware of the critical distinction between governance and politics.

Tinubu stated, “This highly gifted individual has a humble attitude, the courage of his convictions, and a progressive worldview that aligns with my own perspectives on government and its connection to the governed.”

Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode stated that he had faith in Shettima’s character because he knows the lengths to which Shettima went to combat Boko Haram in his state (Borno), where he protected the Christian community and rebuilt destroyed churches.

He stated, “This individual appreciates the significance of our national variety in all of its manifestations, including religious.” He has the fortitude to oppose those who would destroy our diversity and liberty.”

Tinubu, who stated that he views all Nigerians as brothers and sisters in the national family, stated that this implies that no one is fundamentally lower or superior to anyone else, regardless of religion, origin, social rank, or gender.

While listing his past support for the church, Tinubu stated that his view in the necessity for secular government and faith-based groups to work together was not newly embraced for his campaign.

“I have never forced anyone to leave Lagos or made them feel unwanted. Lagos welcomed all comers during my government and continues to do so today. Lagos has had one Muslim and two Christian governors after me. I may not be flawless. What is a human being? “However, I am not a petty man who is secretly married to his biases and prejudices.”

“The rumour that this is an attempt to stifle the Christian community is false and regrettable. I cannot repress the Christians of this nation any more than I can repress the Christians in my own family. You are all aware that my wife is a Christian preacher. My youngsters are Christians. I cannot disown them and their religious preference any more than I can disown myself. As the husband and father of a Christian wife and children, it is distressing to hear such accusations. However, this personal discomfort will not prevent me from performing the task at hand.”