By Osaretin Osadebamwen
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) decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it does not discriminate against Christians.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Hazzan said the APC’s choice was driven by political realities rather than religious considerations, insisting that the party remains committed to religious inclusion.
The APC chieftain argued that President Bola Tinubu has consistently demonstrated religious tolerance through both his personal life and public leadership. He cited the President’s marriage to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, an ordained pastor of the RCCG, as evidence of his respect for religious harmony.
“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 while dismissing claims that the Muslim-Muslim ticket marginalises Christians.
According to him, the emergence of a Southern Muslim as the APC presidential candidate created a unique political situation that required strategic decisions on the choice of a running mate.
Hazzan said previous presidential elections involving Southern Christian candidates made it easier to select Muslim running mates from the North, but the political dynamics surrounding Tinubu’s candidacy required a different approach.
He maintained that the Muslim-Muslim ticket should not be interpreted as hostility toward Christians, stressing that competence, electability and political calculations influenced the decision rather than religious bias.
The former lawmaker also rejected suggestions that the APC considers Christian voters politically insignificant. Instead, he said leadership should be determined by competence, character and integrity, regardless of religious affiliation.
Assessing the Tinubu administration, Hazzan acknowledged that some government reforms had caused temporary hardship but expressed confidence that the economy was gradually improving. He urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms and encouraged Christians to participate actively in politics while remaining guided by their moral values.
