Senator Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed allegations that he has no regard for Christians. He said his wife and children are Christians.
He also said those criticising him are angry that he did not pick them as his running mate.
Tinubu chose Senator Kashim Shettima, a fellow Muslim, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election, generating controversy.
Prominent APC members have criticised his choice, accusing him of subjugating Christians. Among the vocal ones are Babachir Lawal and Yakubu Dogara.
Speaking at an interactive session with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, November 16, Tinubu denied being a religious bigot, saying the choice of Shettima had nothing to do with religion.
“I never chased people out of Lagos nor made them feel unwanted. Under my administration, Lagos welcomed all comers and continues to do so today. After me, Lagos has had one Muslim and two Christian governors. I may not be perfect. What human being is? But I am not a petty man secretly wedded to secret biases and prejudices,” Tinubu said.
“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 a Christian wife and children, hearing such allegations is hurtful. However, that individual discomfort will not deter me from the job at hand.”
