The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has rejected the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public offices, insisting that Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity should be reflected in its leadership as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general elections.
The position follows the decision of the All Progressives Congress to retain President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, as its presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
In a statement issued after the National Executive Council meeting and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia, the PFN said the arrangement does not promote religious inclusiveness in the country’s leadership.
The Christian body said, “The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), at its duly convened meeting, has carefully considered recent developments affecting the nation and wishes to make the following resolutions known to the Nigerian public.
“The PFN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria. We remain convinced that our nation can only flourish 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 for elective public office. Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation whose diversity should be reflected in its leadership. Inclusive governance promotes national unity, mutual trust, and a sense of belonging among all citizens.”
The fellowship also criticised the proposed legislation seeking to restrict Christian preaching, describing it as unconstitutional.
It stated, “The PFN strongly opposes any law or policy that seeks to ban or unduly restrict Christian preaching.”
According to the body, such legislation is “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 PFN added that “while the PFN supports lawful regulation necessary to preserve public order, such regulation must never become an instrument for suppressing legitimate religious expression or infringing upon fundamental human rights.
“We respectfully call upon all arms and levels of government to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of every Nigerian regardless of faith, and ensure that no legislation discriminates against any religious community”, it stated.
The fellowship further urged Christians nationwide to remain calm and conduct themselves peacefully despite prevailing concerns.
It said: “We respectfully call upon all arms and levels of government to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of every Nigerian regardless of faith, and ensure that no legislation discriminates against any religious community.”
It also urged Christians across the country to remain “peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding, and steadfast. We must continue to demonstrate the love of Christ while exercising our constitutional rights responsibly and without violence or provocation.”
The PFN further called for sustained engagement among the government, religious leaders and civil society to address issues capable of undermining national unity.
“We encourage sincere dialogue among government, religious leaders, and civil society in addressing issues capable of threatening our national cohesion. Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength to be nurtured rather than a source of division.
“The PFN remains commited 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.”
