Former media aide to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, on Monday said religion should not determine political discussions in Nigeria because the country practices democracy.
Ahmad explained that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima earned their political victories through democratic processes.
He was reacting to Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, and his claims of alleged genocide against Christians.
Dachomo had said: “Shettima is a Muslim, the president is a Muslim. Is that not complete genocide to Christians in the political world? The way forward is to remove Shettima.”
Reacting, Ahmad posted on X: “Some people may hold an entirely different opinion, but I don’t think this argument stands. Nigeria is a democratic country, and we always say that religion should not determine our political discussions. President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima followed all the democratic processes to earn their victory, so why should anyone accuse them on the basis of their religion?
“In politics, you only take the route that leads you to victory. If tomorrow a candidate realizes that the easiest and most effective path to winning an election is to run a Christian–Christian ticket, I am certain he would not hesitate to do so.
“This politics is about strategy and the will of the people, not emotional blackmail, and not about inflaming religious sentiments.”