2027 Election: PFN Declares Opposition to Muslim-Muslim Ticket

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has kicked against the adoption of Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the political leadership of the country should reflect the nation’s religious and ethnic diversities.

The Christian body stated this in a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia, it was reported.

This is coming after the All Progressives Congress (APC) adopted President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, for the 2027 presidential election.

While reiterating its commitment to Nigeria’s unity and stability, PFN said it believed inclusion was necessary to engender trust and a sense of belonging among the citizens.

“Nigeria’s diversity should be reflected in leadership”

The fellowship said, “The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) at its duly constituted meeting has taken into consideration recent events affecting the country and wishes to announce the following resolutions to the Nigerian public.

The PFN recommits itself to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria. We remain convinced that our nation can only thrive 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 to contest for elective public office. Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country and its leadership should reflect its diversity. Inclusive governance promotes national unity, mutual trust and belonging to all citizen.”

The body insisted that political arrangements should take cognizance of Nigeria’s plural nature and avoid creating perceptions of exclusion among religious groups.

Read Also: Nigerian Exports Hit as US Introduces 12.5% Tariff Over Forced Labour Allegations

PFN Speaks Out Against Bans on Preaching
The fellowship also protested any proposed legislation or policy that could restrict Christian preaching.

It said it “strongly opposes any law or policy that seeks to ban or unduly restrict Christian preaching.”

The PFN said such legislation would be “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.”

The fellowship recognized the power of government to enact legal provisions for the sake of public order, but cautioned that such regulations should not be employed to stifle religious liberty.

It said, “While the PFN supports a legal framework necessary to preserve the peace, such regulation must never be used as a tool to suppress legitimate religious expression and infringe on fundamental human rights.

“We respectfully urge all arms and tiers of government to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of every Nigerian regardless of faith, and ensure that no law discriminates against any religious community.”

The PFN also urged Christians across the country to be peaceful and law abiding in the exercise of their constitutional rights.

It called on believers to stay “peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding and steadfast. “We must continue to show the love of Christ while exercising our constitutional rights responsibly without violence or provocation.

The fellowship also urged continuous dialogue between the government, religious organisations and civil society groups on issues that could endanger national unity.

“We urge genuine dialogue among government, religious leaders and civil society to resolve issues that could undermine our national cohesion. Nigeria’s diversity should be a plus to be cultivated and not a point of division.

“The PFN remains committed 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,” the statement said.