Should religion, ethnicity influence choice of running mate?

There has been some controversy over Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s choice of a Muslim running mate for his second-term bid. Daily Trust Saturday sought the opinions of some people on whether such concerns should be relevant. Onchono Emmanuel Adakwu, 25, Teacher, Adamawa It is a known fact that too much involvement of religion and ethnicity causes […]

There has been some controversy over Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s choice of a Muslim running mate for his second-term bid. Daily Trust Saturday sought the opinions of some people on whether such concerns should be relevant.

Onchono Emmanuel Adakwu, 25, Teacher, Adamawa

It is a known fact that too much involvement of religion and ethnicity causes problems in the country. If one allows religion and ethnicity to influence his/her choices, judgments, or administration then there’s a problem. In choosing a running mate, religion or ethnicity should not be considered. The idea is to get things moving and the country working. In the absence of religion, the consciousness that what is good is good even when nobody is doing it and what is bad is bad even when everybody is doing it, makes one qualify as a running mate. There’s every need to redefine our focus and recalibrate our thinking about politics and the essence of governance. The main point is to find trustworthy individuals to pilot the affairs of this nation. Ethnicity in selection creates room for the absence of equality and equity. If we must succeed, we must put away religion and ethnicity in all we do, say and desire.

Jamilu Bello Dogarawa, 27, Civil Servant, Zaria

In a state like Kaduna, same faith ticket would not be proper. Therefore, religion and ethnicity should be taken into cognisance in the selection of running mate. A politician needs the support of all and sundry, therefore he/she should carry everyone along. This gives his reign the required legitimacy. Therefore, what is happening in a state like Plateau, where it is always same faith ticket, is not good for our democracy. However, states like Kano, Katsina and others can afford same faith, same ethnicity tickets.

Afolabi Michael Comedian, Abuja

Religion or ethnicity shouldn’t influence it at all, because it will make us dreadful and slow our pace of development.  However, ethnicity and religion plays pivot roles in our political settings. The reason why you don’t see a Muslim-Muslim ticket nor Christian-Christian ticket is because it shows a representation of other religions and ethnic groups and a sense of belonging is being created. Meanwhile, competent people should be considered, neglecting their ethnic or religious background. Imagine us having Osinbajo and Peter obi as our President and Vice President, definitely it will be a good pair. It’s high time we detest ethnicity and religious manipulation of our political circle as youths and seek for good representation instead of having a round peg in a square hole.

Yakubu Gwangwan Idris, 42, Businessman, Zaria.

I think these issues are recent developments in our politics and therefore should not be a factor in the selection of running mates. Buhari has run a Muslim-Muslim government, although it was a military regime. But Abiola and Kingibe, both Muslims, have won election in Nigeria. We also read that Nnamdi Azikiwe has run for presidency with same faith ticket. Therefore, competence and development of the country should be our priority.

Obisi Oluchukwu, 24, Corps Member, Abuja

I don’t think religion or ethnicity should influence the choice of a running mate. What matters is the capacity of the running mate, because what our country needs is good governance, and not a biased government. This country has three major ethnic groups under one umbrella called Nigeria. Therefore, choosing a running mate from another ethnic group is another means of showing togetherness. I am in support of not allowing religion or ethnicity to stand as a barrier and all I stand for is good and sincere governance from any tribe or religion.

Mukhtar Musa, 40, Civil Servant, Zaria

At the national level, yes. But at state level these shouldn’t influence selection of running mates. All past governors of Plateau and Benue states have been winning elections on same faith tickets. Candidates should therefore select their running mates by looking at competence; those that would assist them to achieve the goals of the state or nation.

Gabriel Oduh, 35, Lecturer, Zaria 

It shouldn’t.  However, you know our democracy is nascent; therefore, those issues influence political behaviour of the citizens. At national, for now, religion and ethnicity can be considered in the selection of running mate despite the fact that competence and development should be our priority. At the state level, peace, unity and inclusiveness should be considered not religion or ethnicity.

Becky Chukwu, 32, Businessman, Abuja

No, religion or ethnicity shouldn’t influence the choice of a running mate, if we do, there might be problem in the future, in the sense that that person may not have the qualities required for the position. Just because he shares your religion or ethnicity doesn’t mean there would be understanding. If we set aside our religious issues and choose the person competent for a position, I think we ourselves would not have much problem and we won’t have to worry over certain issues, because the right running mate is there to assist when necessary, and the nation too will not have to suffer due to our selfish interest.