The Punch newspaper's report indicates that confusion over the choice of the authentic running mate to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, is deepening as he has returned to Abuja to continue consultations on the contentious issue. The APC candidate is expected to name his final running mate on or before the Friday, July 15 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Kabir Ibrahim Masari, whom he named in a ‘placeholder’ capacity.
Tinubu, the APC, and the Progressive Northern Governors’ Forum are said to be in a dilemma over the choice of an acceptable running mate as opposition continues to mount over a possible Muslim-Muslim ticket for the ruling party even as the deadline draws near.
The former Lagos state governor is a Muslim married to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Tinubu, who is from the southwest, is expected to pick his running mate from the north, which is dominated by Muslims. It is believed that Christian politicians from the region are not popular enough to garner massive votes. A former chairman of the APC in Lagos state, Henry Ajomale, however, said the presidential candidate was set to unveil a Muslim as his running mate next month.
Ajomale said: “Although we are still consulting, it is certain that the APC will be flying a Muslim-Muslim ticket. “Masari, our placeholder, may likely be substituted before July 15. However, the destination is still between Borno state in the North-East and Kano/Kaduna states in the North-West. Either way, it will be a Muslim running mate.
Ajomale continues; “The truth is that Asiwaju has no choice. The majority of the northerners are Muslims and fielding a Christian northerner is a risk that can split his vote to give Atiku an edge. But if he settles for the former (a Muslim), they will troop out in large numbers to vote for him.”
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