The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) says it does not support the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public office, insisting that Nigeria remains a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country.
Recall that the All Progressives Congress, APC, has adopted President Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Vice President Kashim Shetimma, both Muslims, to contest the presidential election in 2027.
However, while reacting to the political pairing, the PFN, in a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia, after its NEC meeting, said the ticket does not reflect religious balance in the leadership of the country.
The Christian body said: “The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), at its duly convened meeting, has carefully considered recent developments affecting the nation and wishes to make the following resolutions known to the Nigerian public.
“The PFN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria. We remain convinced that our nation can only flourish where justice, equity, the rule of law, and respect for the Constitution prevail.
“The PFN does not support the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public office. Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation whose diversity should be reflected in its leadership. Inclusive governance promotes national unity, mutual trust, and a sense of belonging among all citizens.”
On the proposed law restricting Christian preaching, the PFN said it “strongly opposes any law or policy that seeks to ban or unduly restrict Christian preaching.”
Such a law, it said is “inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees every citizen the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, and peaceful assembly.”
While expressing support for lawful regulation necessary to preserve public order, the bloc asserted that such regulation must never become an instrument for suppressing legitimate religious expression or infringing upon fundamental human rights.
“We respectfully call upon all arms and levels of government to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of every Nigerian regardless of faith, and ensure that no legislation discriminates against any religious community”, it stated.
PFN, however, urged Christians across the country to remain “peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding, and steadfast. We must continue to demonstrate the love of Christ while exercising our constitutional rights responsibly and without violence or provocation.”
“We encourage sincere dialogue among government, religious leaders, and civil society in addressing issues capable of threatening our national cohesion. Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength to be nurtured rather than a source of division.
“The PFN remains commited to praying for our nation and working with all stakeholders to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law.”