*says accepting Tinubu’s offer amounts to swimming against the tide
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A popular Pastor, Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam has distanced himself from being a member of the campaign team of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running-mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Para Mallam in a statement he personally signed, sighted by our correspondent on Saturday, said he aligns with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the protest against a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“My attention has been drawn to a list in circulation which indicates that I (or my wife – Prof Para-Mallam) have been nominated to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council. Neither of us is aware of this nomination and our consent was not sort.
“Nigeria is a great country; our present setbacks notwithstanding. But I believe that Nigeria will be great again. I love this country. I am not a partisan politician.
“I am a Clergyman and a Social Justice Peace Advocate. I am non-partisan. I am also not a card-carrying member of any political party in Nigeria today (not that it would be wrong, but I am not at moment).
Besides, CAN has taken a position against any Muslim-Muslim ticket and any Christian-Christian ticket. I respect that decision. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country,” he said.
According to him, this contextual reality needs to show in the way political parties play their politics through fair internal party politics.
Speaking further, he explained that accepting Tinubu’s offer would amount to swimming against the tide.
“Accepting to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council will negate this fundamental reality of what we are as multi-religious country. Politics of inclusiveness should override politics of exclusion not just in 2023 but beyond.
“I therefore wish to distance myself from membership of any campaign team of any political party in the forth coming 2023 elections. I have some respected and close friends in all the major political parties. I will continue to work to promote political harmony and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.
“May God give Nigeria peaceful 2023 Elections.
“God bless Nigeria and guide both the parties and Nigerians as the campaign season commences,” he said.
