2023: Tinubu Speaks On Suppressing Christians If He Becomes President

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has denied claims that he will suppress the Christians community if elected as President in 2023.

Speaking with leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu described the rumour that the APC’s Muslim-Muslim Presidential ticket is a plot to suppress the Christian community as untrue and unfortunate.

According to the APC candidate, hearing such rumour is hurtful and disappointing, stressing that his wife and children are Christians and he has never suppressed them.

The former Governor of Lagos State said people have reacted harshly to his emergence as the APC flag bearer by carrying rumors about his health status, age, academic qualifications and family background.

He said: “I know people have reacted harshly to my selection. They have done so without knowing the man or giving him or me a fair chance. The rumour that this is some plot to suppress the Christian community is untrue and unfortunate.

“I can no more suppress the Christians of this nation than I can suppress the Christians in my own household, my very family. You all know my wife is Christian and a pastor. My children are Christians. I can no more disown them and their choice of faith than I can disown myself. As a husband and father to Christian wife and children, hearing such allegations is hurtful. However, that individual discomfort will not deter me from the job at hand.”

He added: “If elected, my door will be open to the leadership of CAN. You will be consulted regularly on the affairs of the state. I know that you will be talking to other candidates as is your right and duty. It would be inappropriate of me or anyone to ask for your support.

“What I ask for is your understanding of my policy direction and the rationale concerning my running mate selection.

“Some may not agree with my decisions. But let it be knowns that I made them in the good faith belief that they would best advance good governance in Nigeria. There is no religious hatred or nefarious designs. Just my determination to do the best I can for our nation.

“I thank you for listening to me and I join you in praying for peace in our nation and for elections that is devoid of violence and rancour but full of reason and democratic practice.”