Nigeria is a secular state not a Muslim country; PFN rejects Muslim/Muslim ticket in 2027 election

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has declared that Nigeria is a secular state and not a Muslim country as it strongly rejected the adoption of a Muslim Muslim ticket for the 2027 general elections, insisting that the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity must be reflected in its political leadership.

The Christian body made its position known in a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia.

The statement comes after the All Progressives Congress endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, as its presidential ticket for the 2027 election.

The PFN said it remains committed to Nigeria’s unity, peace and progress but believes that inclusive governance is essential to strengthen national unity, build mutual trust and ensure every Nigerian has a sense of belonging regardless of religious or ethnic identity.

According to the fellowship, Nigeria is a multi religious and multi ethnic nation, not a Muslim country, and its diversity should be reflected in the leadership of the country.

The communiqué stated that the National Executive Council carefully reviewed recent national developments before reaching its resolutions.

It reaffirmed the PFN’s commitment to justice, equity, the rule of law and strict adherence to the Constitution, saying these principles remain the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

The fellowship maintained that it does not support the adoption of a Muslim Muslim ticket for elective public office, warning that political arrangements perceived to exclude any religious group could undermine national cohesion and deepen divisions.

The PFN said inclusive leadership is necessary to promote fairness, strengthen democracy and give every section of the country confidence that it has a stake in national governance.

The Christian body also strongly opposed any proposed law or government policy aimed at restricting Christian preaching, describing such moves as inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression and peaceful assembly.

While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order, the PFN stressed that public order must never become an excuse to suppress legitimate religious expression or violate the fundamental rights of citizens.

It called on all arms and levels of government to uphold constitutional provisions, protect the rights of Nigerians regardless of their faith and ensure that no legislation discriminates against any religious community.

The fellowship also appealed to Christians across the country to remain peaceful, prayerful, law abiding and steadfast while exercising their constitutional rights responsibly and without violence or provocation.

The PFN further urged government, religious leaders and civil society organisations to sustain dialogue on issues capable of threatening national unity, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be embraced as a strength rather than a source of division.

Reaffirming its commitment to nation building, the fellowship pledged to continue praying for Nigeria and collaborating with all stakeholders to promote peace, justice and equal protection under the law for every citizen.