By Abdullahi Sarki
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has rejected the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public offices, insisting that Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity should be reflected in political leadership.
The position follows the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, as its presidential candidates for the 2027 election.
Responding to the development, the PFN said the decision does not promote religious inclusiveness in the country’s leadership structure.
In a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, National Publicity Secretary Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia said the Christian body had reviewed recent national developments before reaching its resolutions.
The PFN maintained that inclusive leadership remains essential for strengthening national unity, mutual trust and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic society. The Christian body said: “The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), at its duly convened meeting, has carefully considered recent developments affecting the nation and wishes to make the following resolutions known to the Nigerian public.
“The PFN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria. We remain convinced that our nation can only flourish where justice, equity, the rule of law, and respect for the Constitution prevail.
“The PFN does not support the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public office. Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation whose diversity should be reflected in its leadership. Inclusive governance promotes national unity, mutual trust, and a sense of belonging among all citizens.”
On the proposed law restricting Christian preaching, the PFN said it “strongly opposes any law or policy that seeks to ban or unduly restrict Christian preaching.”
Such a law, it said is “inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees every citizen the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, and peaceful assembly.”
It noted that “while the PFN supports lawful regulation necessary to preserve public order, such regulation must never become an instrument for suppressing legitimate religious expression or infringing upon fundamental human rights.
“We respectfully call upon all arms and levels of government to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of every Nigerian regardless of faith, and ensure that no legislation discriminates against any religious community”, it stated.
It, however, urged Christians across the country to remain “peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding, and steadfast. We must continue to demonstrate the love of Christ while exercising our constitutional rights responsibly and without violence or provocation.”
“We encourage sincere dialogue among government, religious leaders, and civil society in addressing issues capable of threatening our national cohesion. Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength to be nurtured rather than a source of division.
“The PFN remains commited to praying for our nation and working with all stakeholders to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law.”
