The Christian Northern Nigeria Progressive Forum (CNNPF) has dismissed fears that the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket was an attempt to Islamise Nigeria, describing it instead as a political strategy that has fostered inclusive governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group also urged Christian leaders across the 19 Northern states and the country to stop expressing concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket, insisting that the arrangement has benefited Christians and other Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Chairman, Elder Hon. Ibrahim Gabriel Itodo, who is also the Senior Special Assistant on Christian Political Matters, the forum described the APC’s choice of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as “God-ordained.”
“The primary interest of any political party is to win elections for its flag bearers. The Muslim-Muslim ticket was a God-ordained channel to bless Christians and all Nigerians,” the statement said.
According to the group, Nigerians have moved beyond religious and ethnic politics, arguing that the Tinubu administration has appointed more Christians into key positions than previous governments since 1999.
The forum commended President Tinubu for what it described as bold economic reforms, acknowledging that while the policies have brought temporary hardship, they are necessary to reposition the country’s economy.
It also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as “the Esther of this administration” for her spiritual and motherly support to the government.
“Hunger, poverty and insecurity do not know religion, tribe or ethnicity. The solution must also not be built on those lines. We must unite against terrorism, banditry and all forms of insurgency,” the group stated.
The CNNPF declared its support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, describing him as the best candidate to consolidate ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The forum also backed the continuation of the existing power rotation arrangement, urging Nigerians to allow the South to complete its tenure before power returns to the North.
“Let us allow the South to honourably finish its term, after which power will naturally move to the North,” it stated.
Appealing to Christian leaders not to be swayed by opposition narratives, the group maintained that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was never designed to promote Islamisation but to secure electoral victory and deliver effective governance.
“The Muslim-Muslim ticket is not evil. It is a political strategy to win elections and deliver good governance, as clearly amplified in the ongoing trajectory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” the statement added.
The group concluded by expressing confidence in the Tinubu administration, saying the country’s future remains bright under the current leadership.
