The governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, has stated that the opposition to a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 is unnecessary, as competence, capacity, and capability in delivering excellent administration to Nigerians should take precedence over religion.
On Friday, the governor of Kaduna, who was the first governor in the state to choose a fellow Muslim as his running mate in 2019, appeared on Channels TV‘s political program.
Maintaining that he does not believe that the business of governing has anything to do with religion, el-Rufai recommended the nation to search for the most qualified candidate for the position, rather than elevating religious feeling above competence.
“I think we should search for the best individual for the position, the guy who will accomplish the task, and hire him,” he stated.
The governor stated that he does not view people through the perspective of whether they are Muslim or Christian.
“Some of my closest companions are Christians. Pastor Tunde Bakare practices Pentecostalism. He was the one who drove me to CPC, not the Muslim President, as Pastor Bakare and I are extremely close. I am close with many Christians.
“I do not believe that religion has anything to do with governance. I am the incorrect person to ask because I chose a highly skilled and qualified lady as my running companion for the 2019 elections in my state.
“But because she is a Muslim, many are referring to their ticket as the Muslim/Muslim ticket, and they predicted that we would lose, but we won massively. This Nigerian focus on religion rather than competence, talent, and capability is truly sad and pitiful,” he continued.
The governor encouraged the media to remove religion from administration while the nation searches for a leader who is competent and able to deliver.
“We wish to develop this nation. When I board a plane, I do not inquire about the religion of the pilot, and when I visit a hospital, I do not inquire about the religion of the doctor. When boarding a plane, all I want is to arrive at my destination precisely.”
He emphasized that “the manner in which the media and several irresponsible individuals attempt to bring religion into politics and government is terrible and pitiful.
