Bitter Truth: Why South’s Cry for Muslim/Christian Ticket is a Farce and Where Tinubu’s Running Mate May Come From

Toheeb Shittu 

A region in Nigeria is known for sentimental opinions and views about who should be in a position of power. Instead of using logic and proper criticism, they prefer their never-ending pity party in sending their political messages.

Tinubu

As observed in the last few weeks, permutations have been going on about Tinubu’s choice of a running mate. Many electorates from the South-West are all about him picking a Christian candidate. They believe religion should be regarded if he wants to smell the Presidential Seat. Some even argue that a Muslim/Christian ticket would be viable enough to get into the emotions of the Christians affected by insecurity in the South so they will rally behind Tinubu. 

However, the ‘Emi-Lokan’ advocate Tinubu seems unbothered about the ethnic or pro-religious conversations going on since his win at the APC Presidential Primaries. He has big plans for ‘himself and the nation’ as seen in his consultations with Governors and other stakeholders over the years. 

Politicking is not about emotions but strategy and gut feeling. It is a practical approach different from governance. Nigerians, especially the average Southerner, need to understand this to rewire their perception. An average Politician would first look at how he gets the numbers before he wants your opinion on how to govern. It is why propaganda sells faster than facts.

Moreover, the APC would do anything to retain power. A reason why they fielded a strong contender in Tinubu. They know how he helped Buhari win the 2015/2019 elections. They are sure that his influence from the South-West to the North, where he has Strong-holds will bring the victory home. 

This reality might be hard for the South to digest, but Tinubu would pick a Northern Muslim than pick an Igbo as running mate. He probably knows by now that Buhari would give Atiku solid underground backing if he decides otherwise. Since the Jagaban is at the mercy of the Northern elites, he does not have the choice but to ‘adhere’. He understands this. Yorubas who think logically understand this. 

Some Facts that prove that a Northern Muslim will emerge as Tinubu’s running mate in the 2019 Elections;

-         Registered voters all over Nigeria were: 84million.

-         91 political parties.

-         Kaduna (3m+ voters), Katsina (3m+ voters), and Kano (5m+ voters) had more numbers of registered voters than other states across the country.

-         Same states above had the highest number of collected PVCs across the country.

-         North-Central, North-East, and North-West had 39m+ people collect their PVCs after 44m+ people registered.

-         South-East, South-South-South and South-West had 21m+ people collect their PVS after 38m+ people registered.

Now you see where the strength lies? If the South were ready to vote, they should be the highest populated voters since they are more educated, exposed and vibrant than the North. But the seemingly uneducated region participates more during elections. This irony gives us the President we either want or do not every election year.

If the APC running mate is a Muslim and would probably help him win, why should Tinubu pick a Christian from the South? It’s all about common sense and factoring in the capacity of the running mate to pull the numbers. Would you choose a running mate from the South if you were Tinubu?

When the South-West understands that Twitter clout or roadside banter does not win elections, they will stop arguing and pick the right candidate. When they are ready for a seat at the table of the elders, they would refer to the proverbial washing of hands and doing their homework. Political redirection and understanding of the motive should be the basis of our argument here. 

Meanwhile, if anyone thinks APC’s Muslim/Muslim ticket is a plan to divide Nigeria across religious lines, they can vote for another party. It’s a little surprising that the traditional religion that bonded us together before Islam and Christianity is not even significant here. Where is the place of the Traditional Worshippers? That is a discussion for another day. 

The only thing that can stop Tinubu is if the youths continue to angrily come out and register for their PVCs to vote for a reputable candidate. And who is the candidate? Look in the mirror. Check your current situation and see what could have been if the current leader is doing enough; look at the antecedents of those asking for your votes now. That’s your answer.

 

My next article will be on INEC’s voting requirements and how they should adjust swiftly. Subscribe to my blog and share. Thanks.