Daniel Bwala: I Left APC Because I Did Not Want to Be a Spokesman For a Muslim Muslim Ticket

Speaking on his decision to opt for the controversial same religion ticket, Tinubu had said his selection of a running mate is beyond religion and ethnicity.

The former Lagos governor said what mattered the most was “competence in governance”.

He said the ticket “represents a milestone in Nigeria’s political history” — just as it was when MKO Abiola, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), chose Babagana Kingibe, a fellow Muslim, as his running mate in 1993.

“In 1993, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe in one of our fairest elections ever held. The spirit of 1993 is upon us again in 2023,” Tinubu said.

“As such, the ticket we present today represents a milestone in our political history. It symbolizes our party’s determination to be a leading light among political parties in Africa.”

Babagana Zulum, Borno governor and successor of Shettima, has described Tinubu’s decision as the “wisest choice”.

Criticism has however been pouring in from several quarters, with the Middle Belt Forum calling the APC “insensitive” and noting that Nigerians will “defeat” the ticket.