The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has declared his stance not to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election owing to its Muslim/Muslim choice of candidates.
He stated this at the first synod of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, which held at Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke Gada Ede, under the theme: “The Church as an Agent of Dialogue and Reconciliation In Our Community in Quest For A Just and Peaceful Social Order.”
According to him, the reason for the Muslim/Muslim tickets, in the calculation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is the best way to win the 2023 general election.
He said: “You will note that the Catholic Bishop Conference has not taken any action on Muslim/Muslim ticket of APC on this matter. The reason is that the Muslim/Muslim ticket is a political decision taken by APC as a party on the calculation that is their best way to win the election or ensure their victory in 2023.
“There is no point telling them not to take such a decision; all you can say is that they will have to accept responsibility for the decision they have taken. I only have one voter card and by God’s grace, I will use it. I will not vote for a Muslim/Muslim ticket; that is my decision.
“But since it is a political decision of a political party, what the Church can do officially is bringing out this fact and telling people that they should take their political decision accordingly.
“When the APC election leadership appointed Governor of Plateau State, Solomon Lalong as the Director of Campaign of APC who is a Catholic, he took the decision politically.
“The only time when we called him to order was when he dragged the name of Pope into the appointment and political discussion. He tendered his apology, which was accepted by us because he is a member of Papa Knight.
“APC is still considered a legitimate party in Nigeria. Many Catholics are in APC not only as members but hold vital positions. According to our Church, we will not involve in partisan politics,” he added.