By Ejileye Lanre
In a country where we have both Christians and Muslims in large numbers,and traditionalists with diverse interests and objectives as well as political aspirations, Religion will also play a long part, whether we like It or not.
Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa with diverse cultures and religious beliefs, We must not hide the truth from each other on this religion, And undoubtedly, It is one of the main strategies being used by our political officers to cajole the citizens into different offices and it’s been working for some while credibility, objectives, antecedents, track records among other things have and will work for many rightly. So, if any of the aspirants seek support from the same set of people that share their religious beliefs, I do not think it’s wrong.
One of the presidential candidates under the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, who is a Christian, has been visiting churches recently which has generated a lot of arguments online. The truth is, He can go to churches and use that as a campaign tool, We can’t rule all these out in the present-day political journey in Nigeria.
Judging by that standard, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is contesting for the same seat and is a Muslim under the ruling party, The APC can also use it, Let him visit more masjids (Mosques) and of course, he has been visiting even before Mr. Obi.
The third leading candidate from the main opposition, The PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar can use another method that could work for him aside from religious tactics, So far, None of these are in any way in contradiction with the law and constitution of the land, It is justifiable.
This explains strategies of who gets what, when, and how in this context and situation of politics, (From Marx’s definition of politics).
We shouldn’t see it as a big deal, and without sounding hypocritical, These will play along in the success of any election, especially, The coming general elections.
However, Those who will not vote because of religion will not, Especially, the liberal ones among the electorates, who believe in the personality and credibility of any candidates.
Candidates who believe in the choice of democracy, who have people’s welfare as their top priority, and who can bring peace, stability, and security to lives and properties to the best standard, and candidates who can revive the crumbling economy back to its best way without minding and considering religion as the first criteria before discharging their civic rights.
In conclusion, Nigerians should preach peace and get their permanent voters’ cards, and vote rightly in the coming election.
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