A CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar D Duhu has rejected calls by Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah proposing a northern Christian as running mate for Tinubu come 2027.
Recall the northern Islamic group advised President Bola Tinubu to consider choosing a northerner of Christian extraction as his running mate in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.
The group made the call in a press statement on Sunday and signed by its convener, Bala Duguri.
Duguri said: “Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the northern states with different Islamic organisations in a bid to speak with one voice over the political direction in the APC-led administration. The outcome is very encouraging.”
But reacting in a statement made available to News Point Nigeria late Thursday, Dr Duhu said: “It is essential to distinguish between political maneuvering and Islamic values. The “Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah” group’s stance is a clear example of politicking, not Islamic scholarship.
“Their attempt to justify their position by citing “extensive consultations with various Islamic organizations” is dubious and lacks credibility.
“Genuine Islamic bodies and scholars have consistently maintained that Islam is apolitical, and Muslims should focus on upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and fairness in all aspects of life. We should not conflate political decisions with Islamic teachings”.
See full statement below:
A Rebuttal to the Misguided Stance of the “Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah
As a concerned Muslim, I am compelled to respond to the recent statement attributed to the “Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah,” which purportedly represents the views of northern Muslims. Their call for President Tinubu to select a northern Christian as his running mate in 2027, under the guise of promoting unity and inclusiveness, is not only misguided but also un-Islamic.
Islam emphasizes the importance of justice, fairness, and compassion, but it does not dictate political decisions or endorse specific candidates. The notion that Muslim aspirants should step aside and support a northern Christian for the vice-presidential slot is an affront to the principles of Islam, which teaches that leadership is a divine decree (Qur’an 3:26).
It is essential to distinguish between political maneuvering and Islamic values. The “Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah” group’s stance is a clear example of politicking, not Islamic scholarship. Their attempt to justify their position by citing “extensive consultations with various Islamic organizations” is dubious and lacks credibility.
Genuine Islamic bodies and scholars have consistently maintained that Islam is apolitical, and Muslims should focus on upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and fairness in all aspects of life. We should not conflate political decisions with Islamic teachings.
I urge the “Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah” group to refrain from misrepresenting Islam and its values. Their statements are malicious, inciting, and un-Islamic. As Muslims, we should prioritize promoting understanding, justice, and compassion, rather than engaging in political machinations.
Dr. Umar D. Duhu
galadimadluku@gmail.com