The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, (JNI) have challenged the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, to explain further the basis of labelling the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) an Islamic party.
Lawal had insisted that the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won the 2023 presidential election and not President Bola Tinubu.
Taking a swipe at the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Lawal described him as an enslaved person, adding the party was now led by Muslims who make decisions in mosques.
However, in an interview with Vanguard, a senior CAN official said labelling APC an Islamic party was inappropriate, stressing that political parties consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds and religious groups.
While distancing itself from Babachir’s views, CAN said the statement did not reflect the official position of the church or Christian denomination and emphasised the importance of respectful dialogue, tolerance, and unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of their political or religious inclinations.
The Christian body called on political parties and politicians to focus on national development, good governance, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The official said, “Regarding Mr. Lawal’s statement, it is his personal opinion and does not reflect the official position of any church or Christian denomination. It is crucial to separate personal opinions from the official stance of any organisation, including CAN.
“Furthermore, it is not appropriate to label a political party as ‘Islamic’ or any other religious denomination. Political parties are composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and beliefs, including members of different religious groups.
“It is essential to promote inclusivity and respect for religious diversity within the political sphere.
“CAN encourages political parties and candidates to focus on issues of national development, good governance, and the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations. We believe in a democratic process that upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.”
Also, the Secretary of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, Kaduna State chapter, Malam Ibrahim Kufena, said Lawal should have explained further how APC was an Islamic party.
He said, “You should have asked him, what basis is APC an Islamic party? Imo, Ebonyi and other states where there is APC, are they Islamic states? Even in places like Kano, are they all doing APC?
“So, I don’t know what he is talking about. He should have explained further the basis on which he categorised APC as an Islamic party.”
