Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has expressed concerns over the use of religion and tribal divisions as tools for campaigns by some politicians ahead of the 2023 general elections.
El-Rufai described the trend as very dangerous to the growth of democracy, adding that it is a threat to the unity of the country if allowed to continue.
Speaking at the commissioning of the headquarters of the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development in Kaduna, Governor El-Rufai, insisted that rather than use religion and ethnicity as tools for campaign, political parties and their candidates should focus on issues that are germane to national development and social stability.
He, however, appealed to religious leaders and traditional rulers to ensure that their institutions are not used by politicians to promote their interests at the detriment of national unity and cohesion, noting that what the citizens need are candidates with the capacity to deliver dividends of good governance to them.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto said the foundation is aimed at fostering unity between Christians and Muslims, as well as promoting education in the country, especially within the northern region.
The Governor also said the 2023 elections present Nigerians with the opportunity to take religion out of politics and punish politicians who use it as a tool.
The governor on Tuesday asked royal fathers and scholars to pray for credible elections and improved security.
Still speaking at the commissioning ceremony, he said,
“I want to use the opportunity to call on our leaders here, the royal fathers, our scholars to continue to pray for peaceful and credible elections, continue to pray for improved security in our country and for Allah to choose for this country who is the best leaders that will unite and move the country forward.
“I am concerned as a citizen, as a governor and as a Muslim about the way and manner some of the politicians have gone about campaigning using religion and ethnic division as a tool. And your Eminence I think this election causes for us a very unique opportunity to take religion out of politics in Nigeria and punish those that are trying to use religion as a tool,” he said.
Elrufai who is an APC chieftain and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory also appealed to the royal fathers and scholars to communicate to the people to ensure that future elections do not centre around religion but around what a person can do to improve the lot of ordinary people.
“Our people are united in their poverty, in their need for education, for decent healthcare and to put food on their table, that is what unites us, that is what we should focus on. But some people are campaigning in churches, some are holding internal meetings with religious leaders to promote ethnic and religious division, it is the last thing Nigeria needs now at a time when the whole world is facing challenges, ultra-nationalism and global supply chain disruption,” El-Rufai added.
