First Lady, Remi Tinubu Defends Muslim-Muslim Ticket

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has defended her husband’s decision to run on a same-faith presidential ticket in 2023, stating that the country’s religious demographics played a decisive role in shaping the political calculation.

Speaking during a recent visit to the United States, Mrs. Tinubu said Muslims make up a larger share of Nigeria’s population, making the selection of a Muslim running mate a strategic necessity rather than a religious statement. Her comments come nearly three years after the same-faith ticket of President Bola Tinubu sparked intense national debate and criticism from Christian groups who feared religious imbalance in leadership.

Mrs Tinubu, who is also a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said political realities often require difficult decisions, particularly in a diverse country where electoral victory depends heavily on broad-based support.

First Lady Says Ticket Was Driven by Electoral Realities

In an interview with The Free Press, the First Lady described the same-faith ticket as a pragmatic political move designed to maximise electoral appeal across Nigeria’s complex religious and regional landscape. She noted that presidential candidates from southern Nigeria face unique political constraints that influence their choice of running mate.

According to her, elections in Nigeria are shaped largely by demographic strength and coalition-building, meaning candidates must carefully consider religious and regional dynamics to remain competitive. She explained that while the decision drew criticism from some Christian communities, it was made within the broader context of ensuring national political viability.

Mrs. Tinubu also emphasised her personal commitment to representing Christians despite her husband’s Muslim identity, noting that her presence in the presidential seat of power reflects religious inclusion rather than exclusion. She said her responsibilities include advocating for the interests of both Christians and Muslims, adding that governance must prioritise unity and mutual respect across religious lines.

Her remarks reflect an effort to address lingering concerns among religious communities, particularly Christians who expressed unease about perceived marginalisation following the 2023 election.

Tinubu Dismisses Persecution Claims, Calls for Stronger Security Support

During her U.S. visit, Mrs. Tinubu also addressed global concerns about alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, describing some reports as exaggerated or misleading. In a separate interview with The Hill, she argued that narratives suggesting widespread targeted violence against Christians did not fully capture the country’s complex security challenges.

She said insecurity in Nigeria affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that terrorism and banditry are broader national threats rather than attacks directed solely at one religious group. Her comments appear aimed at countering international campaigns portraying Nigeria as a hotspot for systematic religious persecution.

At the same time, Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged the seriousness of security threats, particularly in northern Nigeria, and called for stronger international cooperation in combating extremist groups. She expressed support for international military assistance targeting terrorist networks, noting that improved security would benefit all Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation.

Her intervention comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face persistent insecurity, including attacks by armed groups, kidnappings, and communal violence in several regions.

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