The National Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Prof. Rufai Alkali, has dismissed agitations against Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He said it was pedestrian for some Nigerians to reduce serious issues of governance and leadership to religious and ethnic considerations.
The NNPP national chairman, who addressed some select reporters yesterday in Lagos, said Nigerians should rather clamour for good governance and candidates with competence and character to take the country out of the myriads of challenges it is facing.
He said most of those whipping the religious sentiment in the nation’s political space were selfish.
Alkali said it was the prerogative of the candidate of any political party to choose his or her running mate, adding that what should matter most is making Nigeria overcome its challenges.
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He added: “If we want this country to change, we must move beyond zoning and religious discourse. We have passed the stage of contradictions of zoning and religious sentiments.
“It is unfortunate that some selfish politicians are introducing religious sentiment into our political space. We are more concerned about good governance and qualitative leadership that can positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
“I will not join those who are trying to subject serious issues of governance and leadership to pedestrian debate of religion. Nigerians want credible leaders, good governance.”
The political economist also said NNPP was open for any possible alliances with any of the political parties that shares its ideals and principles.
He dismissed the rumour making the rounds that his party was making plans to merge with another.
According to him, the window for merger, in line with the new Electoral Law, has closed.
“From the Electoral Act, no party can merge with another party now as that window has since closed.
“Our party, though has what it takes to face the Nigerian electorate, is equally open for profitable engagement and possible alliances with any political party that agrees with our ethos and principles,” he added.