SIR: They are two distinct individuals, born and bred in opposite sides of the country with different careers. One is a medical doctor, the other an economist/banker. One belongs to a party that is said to be progressive and the other is in a party that is seen to be conservative. In reality the difference between their political parties is like six and half a dozen.
One is Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta State and the other is Kashim Shetitma from Borno State. One was a former governor, the other an incumbent governor, just as they were both elected into the upper legislative chamber as distinguished senators.
However, their latest political foray is taking on similar course in that it is having ripple effects on not just their respective parties but the nation at large.
No sooner was Governor Okowa unveiled as running mate to the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, than some party chieftains cried foul. Indeed, the simmering discontents within the party were burst open by Okowa’s nomination as vice presidential candidate. The camp of ‘malcontents’ are demanding replacement of Okowa with the Rivers State governor as well as replacement of the national chairman with a southerner to be assuaged. They say they are fighting against injustice. The bottom line is that the PDP may not be prosecuting its 2023 presidential project with a unity of purpose. Fences can still be mended though for miracles do still happen.
The APC is facing a schism of a different kind, triggered also by nomination of vice presidential candidate in the person of Shettima. Confirmation that APC is now fielding a Muslim/Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential polls set tongues wagging. Both Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senator Shettima his running mate profess the Muslim faith.
Whereas the wrangling in PDP is chiefly among its members, politicians, the dust stirred by APC’s same faith ticket has seen other members of the wider society, non-politicians and even institutions actively weighing in. Argument against same faith ticket at the national level is that as a heterogeneous country, all interests should be brought onboard. Some rather extreme views have been expressed in railing against this combination with some stating that it is a prelude to a hidden agenda.
What we are experiencing currently is part of a fermentation process that would lead to a future, a new world order of bliss in which Nigeria is divinely destined to play a leading role. All should be reminded that every human being is given free will by the Almighty Creator. It means we have the free will to make a decision. CAN and the other clerics should not order Christians to vote this way or that way; rather, they should urge them to vote according to their heart’s bidding in exercise of their free will. This applies to the electorate nationwide.
- Victoria Ngozi Ikeano,
victoriangozii@gmail.com