2023: Unlike Atiku, Tinubu keeps silence on identity of running mate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to officially reveal the identity of its 2023 vice presidential candidate.

The flagbearer, Bola Tinubu has quietly submitted the name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The electoral umpire had given all parties a deadline of Friday (today) June 17 to submit their VP nominee.

However, there are reports that the party has picked Kabiru Masari as Tinubu’s running mate for the 2023 elections.

As yet, Tinubu and the APC are keeping their lips sealed, leaving party members and Nigerians pondering.

This is a sharp contrast to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) relatively open process.

The leading opposition kept the media and general public informed till when it took its decision.

On Thursday, Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa emerged as the running mate to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

APC’s discreet selection process and submission of name have fueled speculations that a Northern Muslim was selected.

It was reported that the ruling platform was likely to fly a Muslim-Muslim ticket despite outrage, mainly from the Christian community.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Catholic Secretariat Society of Nigeria (CSN), pundits and organizations already presented separate positions.

They argue that with former Lagos Governor Tinubu being a Muslim, a running mate of the same religion is bias.

“Even in the despotic military era, most juntas ensured a balance of the religious architecture in their regimes”, said CSN scribe, Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi.

In his reaction, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) quipped: “Is it superiority of faith, enforcement of international conspiracy, or new form of Jihad.”

But the APC and its stalwarts maintain that they are keen on retaining power and are after the millions of votes they can garner in 2023