Muslim–Muslim ticket

Last updated

The 12 Nigerian states with Sharia law NG-Sharia.png
The 12 Nigerian states with Sharia law

The Muslim–Muslim ticket is a term used to describe the Nigerian political arrangement where both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of a major party are Muslims. Such political tickets are a distinctive and controversial issue in the politics of Nigeria, a country with a roughly equal population of Muslims and Christians, and a history of ethno-religious conflicts. Muslim–Muslim tickets have been seen by some as threats to the country's religious harmony, and by others as progressive moves that transcend religious sentiments and focuses on competence and merit.

Contents

Nigeria is roughly divided between its predominantly Muslim northern regions and largely Christian southern regions. The tensions arising from this division have occasionally led political parties to adopt the Muslim–Muslim ticket as a strategic move in key elections, often causing significant controversy. The outcomes of such elections often had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, as they were perceived as either consolidating Muslim dominance or fostering inclusivity. The concept of Muslim-Muslim tickets continues to receive scrutiny in political discourse.

History

The concept of a Muslim–Muslim ticket has historical roots in Nigerian politics, intertwined with the nation's complex socio-political history and the interplay of religious and regional dynamics. Nigeria's path to nationhood began during the colonial era, marked by the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, which brought together regions with distinct religious majorities and set the stage for future political discourse. [1] [2]

Following independence in 1960, Nigeria experienced political instability, military coups, and ethnic tensions, culminating in the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. The First Republic of Nigeria, from 1963 to 1966, saw the emergence of the Muslim–Muslim ticket as a political strategy, notably during the 1964 election in the Western Region. This period of political turbulence highlighted the enduring influence of religious and regional identities in Nigerian politics. [3] [4]

The return to civilian rule in 1979 brought new dynamics to the political landscape, with several elections featuring Muslim–Muslim tickets, sparking debates about national unity and representation. The 1979 presidential election saw the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) fielding Shehu Shagari, a Muslim from the north, with Alex Ekwueme, a Christian from the south, as his running mate, reflecting the ongoing discussions about religious and regional balance in politics. [5]

The 1993 presidential election became a landmark event, with Moshood Abiola, a Muslim from the southwest, and his running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe, also a Muslim, winning the election, which was later annulled, leading to significant political unrest. The 2023 election, with Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, winning amidst controversy, further underscored the persistent debate over religious representation in Nigerian politics. [6] [7]

Throughout the years, the Muslim–Muslim ticket has remained a contentious issue, with arguments focusing on the candidates' governance capabilities versus the potential impact on religious harmony and the nation's diverse socio-political fabric. [8] [9]

Controversies and implications

The adoption of the Muslim–Muslim ticket in Nigerian politics has consistently stirred controversy and carried significant implications for the nation's socio-political landscape. [10] This contentious practice often revolves around the delicate balance of religious representation, regional dynamics, and political manoeuvring, sparking debates and concerns. [11] One persistent controversy is rooted in religious tensions and perceptions of favouritism. Critics argue that such tickets can deepen religious divides, creating the perception that one religious group is favoured over the other. [12] The Muslim–Muslim ticket often intersects with regional politics and power dynamics. [13] The choice of presidential candidates can be influenced by the need to secure votes in specific regions. For instance, in the 2011 election, President Goodluck Jonathan's selection of Namadi Sambo as his running mate was seen as a strategy to appeal to the northern regions and maintain regional balance. [14]

Political parties in Nigeria strategically deploy the Muslim–Muslim ticket to gain electoral advantages. The controversy arises when this strategy appears to prioritise political calculations over inclusivity. The use of the Muslim–Muslim ticket can influence public perception and trust in the political process. Scepticism often arises when voters question the sincerity of political parties in promoting unity and inclusivity. [15]

"Therefore we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against; "elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets, "kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes, "in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all."

Muhammadu Buhari, Sahara Reporters, 2017 [16]

At its core, the controversy surrounding the Muslim–Muslim ticket revolves around its potential to challenge Nigeria's national unity. The nation's diversity is its strength, but the persistent use of such tickets can strain the delicate fabric of unity. [17] Legal disputes over Muslim–Muslim tickets, such as those following the 2007 presidential election, underscore the contentious nature of such tickets in Nigeria's electoral politics. [18] [19]

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse around the Muslim–Muslim ticket. In the aftermath of the 2015 election, Nigerian newspapers featured diverse opinions on the implications of the ticket for the nation's political landscape. [15] Civil society organisations have been actively engaged in advocating for transparency and inclusivity in Nigerian politics. They have organised forums and campaigns to promote national unity and discourage divisive electoral strategies. [20] The Civil Society Coalition for Inclusive Governance, for instance, has called for greater inclusivity in the electoral process. [21] [22]

The Muslim–Muslim ticket has garnered international scrutiny, with entities like the European Union highlighting the need for elections in Nigeria to be credible and inclusive to maintain the country's stability and global standing. [23] [24] The recurring debates over the Muslim–Muslim ticket have led to calls for electoral reforms in Nigeria. Advocates argue that reforms should address issues of candidate selection, party politics, and campaign regulations to promote inclusivity. [25] The National Electoral Reform Committee (NERC) has actively explored such reforms. [26]

Young activists and civic organisations have increasingly played a role in addressing the controversies associated with the Muslim–Muslim ticket. Youth-led initiatives have sought to promote a more inclusive and united Nigeria through advocacy and awareness campaigns. [27] The Nigerian judiciary has been instrumental in adjudicating electoral disputes arising from the adoption of Muslim–Muslim tickets. [28] Court decisions have sometimes shaped the trajectory of Nigerian politics, emphasising the importance of an independent and fair judiciary. [29]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Nigeria</span> Country in West Africa

The history of Nigeria can be traced to the earliest inhabitants whose remains date from at least 13,000 BC through early civilizations such as the Nok culture which began around 1500 BC. Numerous ancient African civilizations settled in the region that is known today as Nigeria, such as the Kingdom of Nri, the Benin Empire, and the Oyo Empire. Islam reached Nigeria through the Bornu Empire between and Hausa Kingdom during the 11th century, while Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th century through Augustinian and Capuchin monks from Portugal to the Kingdom of Warri. The Songhai Empire also occupied part of the region. Through contact with Europeans, early harbour towns such as Calabar, Badagry and Bonny emerged along the coast after 1480, which did business in the transatlantic slave trade, among other things. Conflicts in the hinterland, such as the civil war in the Oyo Empire, meant that new enslaved people were constantly being "supplied".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">President of Nigeria</span> Head of state and government of Nigeria

The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the head of state and head of government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The president directs the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ibrahim Babangida</span> Military President of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida is a Nigerian retired general and statesman who served as military president of Nigeria from 1985 until his resignation in 1993. He rose through the ranks to serve from 1984 to 1985 as Chief of Army Staff, going on to orchestrate his seizure of power in a coup d'état against Muhammadu Buhari.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elections in Nigeria</span> Political elections for public offices in Nigeria

Elections in Nigeria involve choosing representatives to the federal government of Nigeria and the various states in the fourth republic Nigeria. Elections in Nigeria began in 1959 with a number of political parties. It's a method of choosing leaders where the citizens have the right to vote and to be voted for. In 2023, Nigerians were getting ready for presidential elections with about 93.4 million eligible voters across the federation for the 25 February election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baba Gana Kingibe</span> Nigerian diplomat and politician (born 1945)

Babagana Kingibe OV GCON is a Nigerian diplomat, politician and civil servant who has held several high ranking government offices, culminating in his appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2007 to 2008. He spent over a decade in the Foreign Service cadre and has been in politics since the 1970s serving six heads of state; most recently as a member of the inner circle of President Muhammadu Buhari.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Second Nigerian Republic</span> Second formation of Nigeria 1979–1983

The Second Nigerian Republic was a brief formation of the Nigerian state which succeeded the military governments formed after the overthrow of the first republic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Independent National Electoral Commission</span> Nigerian national electoral body

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the electoral body which oversees elections in Nigeria. It was established in 1998 shortly before Nigeria's transition from military to civilian rule.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anti-Igbo sentiment</span> Ideology

Anti-Igbo sentiment encompasses a range of negative attitudes and feelings towards the Igbo people. The Igbo people make up all of south-eastern Nigeria and a part of south-south Nigeria's geopolitical zones. Igbophobia is observable in critical and hostile behaviour such as political and religious discrimination and violence towards the Igbo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1993 Nigerian presidential election</span>

Presidential elections were held in Nigeria on 12 June 1993, the first since the 1983 military coup ended the country's Second Republic. The elections was the outcome of a transitional process to civilian rule spearheaded by the military ruler, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. The unofficial result of the election – though not declared by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) – indicated a victory for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). The winner of the election was thus never declared as the elections were annulled by Babangida, citing electoral irregularities. The annulment led to protests and political unrest, including the resignation of Babangida and a weak interim civilian government, and culminated in the continuation of military rule in the country with Sani Abacha ascending to power as the military head of state via a bloodless coup later in the year.

Since Nigeria became independent in 1960, there have been five military coup d'états in Nigeria. Between 1966 and 1999, Nigeria was ruled by a military government without interruption, apart from a short-lived return to democracy under the Second Nigerian Republic of 1979 to 1983. However, the most recent coup occurred in 1993, and there have been no significant further attempts under the Fourth Nigerian Republic, which restored multi-party democracy in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Progressives Congress</span> Nigerian political party

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the two major contemporary political parties in Nigeria, along with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Founded on 6 February 2013 from a merger of Nigeria's three largest opposition parties, the party came to power following the victory of party candidate Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election. This marked the first time in Nigerian history that an opposition party unseated a governing party and power was transferred peacefully.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Nigerian general election</span>

General elections were held in Nigeria on 28 and 29 March 2015, the fifth quadrennial election to be held since the end of military rule in 1999. Voters elected the President and members to the House of Representatives and the Senate. The incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, sought his second and final term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cabinet of Shehu Shagari</span>

The Cabinet of Shehu Shagari formed the government of Nigeria during the presidency of Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1983, after the return to civilian rule with the Second Nigerian Republic. Among the cabinet Ministers are Adamu Ciroma, Bello Maitama Yusuf, Mamman Ali Makele etc. It was terminated by a military coup.

The 2019 Niger State gubernatorial election occurred on March 9, 2019, in Nigeria. The APC nominee Abubakar Sani Bello won the election, defeating Umar Nasko of the PDP.

The 2019 Jigawa State gubernatorial election occurred on March 9, 2019. Incumbent APC Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar won re-election for a second term, defeating Aminu Ibrahim Ringim of the PDP and several minor party candidates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Adamawa State gubernatorial election</span> 2023 gubernatorial election in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The 2023 Adamawa State gubernatorial election took place on 18 March 2023, to elect the Governor of Adamawa State, concurrent with elections to the Adamawa State House of Assembly as well as twenty-seven other gubernatorial elections and elections to all other state houses of assembly. The election — which was postponed from its original 11 March date — was held three weeks after the presidential election and National Assembly elections. Incumbent Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (PDP) was re-elected by a 3.75% margin over first runner-up and APC nominee — Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed.

The 2023 Kaduna State gubernatorial election will take place on 18 March 2023, to elect the Governor of Kaduna State, concurrent with elections to the Kaduna State House of Assembly as well as twenty-seven other gubernatorial elections and elections to all other state houses of assembly. The election—which was postponed from its original 11 March date—will be held three weeks after the presidential election and National Assembly elections. Incumbent APC Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third term.

The 2023 Sokoto State gubernatorial election will take place on 18 March 2023, to elect the Governor of Sokoto State, concurrent with elections to the Sokoto State House of Assembly as well as twenty-seven other gubernatorial elections and elections to all other state houses of assembly. The election—which was postponed from its original 11 March date—will be held three weeks after the presidential election and National Assembly elections. Incumbent PDP Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Nigerian presidential election</span>

The 2023 Nigerian presidential election was held on 25 February 2023 to elect the president and Vice President of Nigeria. Bola Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State and nominee of the All Progressives Congress, won the election with 36.61% of the vote, which is about 8,794,726 total votes. Runners-up were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party, and former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, Labour Party. Other federal elections, including elections to the House of Representatives and the Senate, held on the same date while state elections were held on 18 March. The inauguration was held on 29 May 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Issues in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election</span>

The issues in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election are economic, human, and political issues that were discussed prior to and during the general campaign period from the end of the primary period in June 2022 and the final day of campaigning in February 2023.

References

Notes

  1. ↑ Umeanolue 2020, pp. 139–157.
  2. ↑ "Nigeria Amalgamation Document 1914". Daily Trust. 30 August 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  3. ↑ "Coup, counter-coup and the Biafran War – DW – 07/29/2016". dw.com. 29 July 2016. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  4. ↑ "From the Archives: The forgotten political crisis of 1964 and the coup of 1966". Vanguard News. 17 October 2013. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  5. ↑ Okogba, Emmanuel (6 February 2018). "How Shagari picked Ekwueme as VP (1)". Vanguard News. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  6. ↑ "History of June 12 in Nigeria, how MKO Abiola become symbol of democracy and why e dey important to di Yoruba pipo – BBC News Pidgin". BBC News Pidgin. 11 June 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  7. ↑ "NIGERIAN PROTESTS ERUPT IN VIOLENCE". The New York Times. 6 July 1993. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  8. ↑ Ugo, Chima (17 January 2023). "2023: CNPP wants APC, PDP presidential candidates to withdraw from race". Prime 9ja Online. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  9. ↑ Obadare, Ebenezer (23 June 2022). "APC Runs Into Headwinds as Christian Opposition to Muslim-Muslim Ticket Gains Traction in Nigeria". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  10. ↑ Akoni, Olasunkanmi (7 December 2022). "Tinubu". Vanguard News. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  11. ↑ Onapajo 2016, pp. 112–135.
  12. ↑ Isiaq, Adebiyi & Bakare 2018, pp. 117–139.
  13. ↑ "Ethnicity, Religion, and Polarization in Nigeria". Wilson Center. 31 August 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  14. ↑ "Nigeria2015: Jonathan picks Vice President Namadi Sambo as running mate". premiumtimesng.com (in German). Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  15. 1 2 Cambridge University Press 2019, pp. 392–409.
  16. ↑ "Transcript Of President Buhari's Speech: Nigeria's Unity Settled". Sahara Reporters. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  17. ↑ "Nigeria elections 2015: interim statement by Commonwealth Observer Group". Commonwealth. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  18. ↑ Etim, Etim (4 April 2022). "Muslim-Muslim ticket will unravel Buhari's legacy, hurt APC". TheCable. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  19. ↑ "Nigeria: Presidential Election Marred by Fraud, Violence". Human Rights Watch. 25 April 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  20. ↑ Scholte 2012, pp. 185–206.
  21. ↑ "Coalition kicks against defunding adult literacy". Daily Trust. 26 August 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  22. ↑ "Coalition kicks against defunding adult, mass literacy education". The Nation Newspaper. 26 August 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  23. ↑ "NIGERIA 2019" (PDF). EODS.eu. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  24. ↑ "The European Union Election Observation Mission presents its final report". EEAS. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  25. ↑ Igwe, Ignatius (5 October 2023). "Muslim Muslim Ticket Not Best For Nigeria, Atiku Insists". Channels Television. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  26. ↑ Olokor, Friday (29 July 2022). "Don't vote Muslim-Muslim ticket". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  27. ↑ Ugo, Chima (2 December 2022). "Walid Jibrin: APC wants to disunite Nigerians with Muslim/Muslim ticket". Prime 9ja Online. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  28. ↑ Ejekwonyilo, Ameh (30 January 2023). "2023: UN chief tasks Nigerian judiciary on impartial adjudication of electoral cases". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  29. ↑ Iwobi 2004, pp. 111–164.

Bibliography

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.