2027: Muslim-Muslim ticket not anti-Christian, Tinubu has demonstrated religious tolerance — Hazzan

A former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Assistant Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Remmy Hazzan, has defended the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the arrangement does not undermine Nigeria’s religious diversity.

Hazzan, who is also a member of the APC, made the remarks during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme aired by Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

He dismissed concerns that the party’s decision could marginalise Christians, saying President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated religious tolerance through his personal relationships and leadership style.

“We are not religious bigots. We do not promote anything that favours one religion over another or threatens the existence of any faith,” Hazzan said.

The cleric pointed to President Tinubu’s marriage to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, an ordained pastor of the RCCG, as an indication of his respect for religious harmony.

“If such a man has lived peacefully with his Christian wife for decades, that shows his level of religious tolerance, and we believe that disposition will continue to reflect in his leadership of Nigeria,” he said.

Hazzan maintained that the APC’s decision to adopt a Muslim-Muslim ticket was based on political considerations rather than religious exclusion.

According to him, the emergence of a Southern Muslim as the presidential candidate of a major political party created a unique political situation that required a different strategy.

“This is the first time a Southern Muslim is emerging as the candidate of a major political party. In previous elections involving Southern Christian candidates, it was easier to select Muslim running mates from the North. This time, choosing a Northern Christian would have required extensive political negotiations within the party and among voters,” he said.

He argued that the decision should not be viewed as an indication of disregard for Christians, stressing that political realities influenced the choice.

“It took courage for President Bola Tinubu to make that decision. It was never because there was any disregard for the Christian faith. It was simply what the party considered the most practical political option under the circumstances,” he stated.

The former lawmaker also rejected claims that the APC considered Christian voters politically insignificant, saying the issue was about electoral strategy and not religious exclusion.

Hazzan advocated that leadership selection should be based on competence, character and integrity rather than religious identity.

“The best of us should rule the rest of us, not the worst ruling the best. Christians should present their best, Muslims should present their best, and even traditional religion adherents should present their best. When the best emerge from every group, society benefits,” he said.

Tinubu’s Reforms Require Time — Hazzan

Assessing the Tinubu administration after three years in office, Hazzan acknowledged that some government policies had brought temporary hardship to Nigerians but expressed optimism that the country was beginning to witness economic recovery.

He urged Nigerians to give the administration more time to complete ongoing reforms, saying the difficult measures were necessary to reposition the economy.

“The current administration has done so much. We are beginning to approach equilibrium, and it is becoming clearer that those difficult periods were necessary if Nigeria is to return to prosperity. Mr. President should be allowed to complete the work he has started,” he said.

On the involvement of Christians in Politics, Hazzan urged believers to take active interest in governance, rejecting the notion that Politics should be avoided by religious people.

“For a long time, the church was made to believe Politics is dirty and only dirty people should participate. But when something is dirty, it needs cleaning. You clean it better from within than from outside,” he said.

He added that Christians in public office must remain guided by their moral values and principles.

“Politics does not have to corrupt believers. Public office holders must never forget the values they embraced before assuming office,” Hazzan said.

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