2027: Kaduna Cleric faults critics of Muslim-Muslim ticket, backs Tinubu

KADUNA — The National Patron (Religious Affairs) of the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria movement, Dr. Emmanuel Simon, has faulted critics of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, declaring his support for the President's re-election in 2027 and urging Christians to participate actively in politics.

Simon, who is also the Founder of The Blessed Embassy, Kaduna, spoke on Saturday during a reception organised to celebrate his appointment as the National Patron (Religious Affairs) of the pro-Tinubu support group and the inauguration of its Northwest Chapter.

The cleric said his acceptance of the appointment should not be misconstrued as compromising Christian values, insisting that participation in governance was a more effective way of influencing national development than remaining on the sidelines.

"The only way you can repair a nation is to be involved. If you continue to stay outside throwing stones and accusing people, you cannot help fix the country," he said.

Reacting to concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Simon argued that governance should be assessed on the basis of competence, inclusiveness and service delivery rather than religious considerations.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has appointed Christians into strategic positions, demonstrating that opportunities in government are not determined solely by religion.

"When you look at government appointments, you will see many Christians serving in key positions. Governance should not be reduced to religious considerations alone," he stated.

Simon said his decision to identify with the movement stemmed from his desire to contribute to nation-building and support policies he believes would advance national development.

"I am not a politician. I was invited because of the work I have been doing over the years. No political party has ever brought me this close before. I accepted because I believe I can make my own little contribution to society," he said.

The cleric expressed confidence in President Tinubu's leadership and backed his re-election in 2027, saying the administration should be given the opportunity to consolidate its reforms and development programmes.

He described Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria as a movement that cuts across religious and ethnic divides, noting that its membership reflected Nigeria's diversity.

"Look around today; you can see Christians and Muslims gathered here. This movement is not about religion. It is about good governance and moving Nigeria forward," he said.

Simon urged Nigerians not to allow religion to divide the country, maintaining that peace, unity and mutual understanding remained essential for sustainable development.

"We must never allow religion to divide us. When there is peace, government can concentrate on delivering development and improving the lives of citizens. But where there is conflict and division, progress becomes difficult," he added.

He also encouraged Christians to become actively involved in politics, arguing that governance would improve if more people with integrity, transparency and the fear of God participated in the democratic process.

"My advice to Christians is that they should not shy away from politics. Wherever you are, in your ward, local government, state or at the national level—participate in the democratic process. When people of honesty, transparency and the fear of God get involved, the nation stands to benefit," he said.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on Community Residents, who represented Governor Uba Sani at the event, congratulated Simon on his appointment and described it as a recognition of his commitment to faith, community service and national development.

Delivering the Governor's goodwill message, the aide said the reforms being implemented under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda required patience, resilience and the support of patriotic Nigerians.

He urged members of the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria movement to serve as a bridge between government and citizens by promoting factual information on government policies, encouraging peaceful dialogue, countering misinformation and fostering national cohesion.

The governor's representative also commended Governor Uba Sani for his commitment to peace-building, inclusive governance and grassroots engagement, saying the administration continued to complement the Federal Government's development agenda in Kaduna State.

He called on citizens to place national interest above ethnic, religious and sectional considerations, stressing that government alone could not build the Nigeria of everyone's aspirations without the active participation of religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, youth and women groups.

PUNCH reports that the event attracted political stakeholders, Christian religious groups, community representatives, youth and women groups, as well as supporters of the movement from across the Northwest, who gathered to celebrate Simon's appointment and reaffirm their commitment to the group's objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.