Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the country's largest Pentecostal Christian body, has firmly rejected the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigeria's religious and ethnic diversity must be reflected in its political leadership. The position was announced in a communiqué issued after the fellowship's National Executive Council meeting and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia. The statement comes after the All Progressives Congress adopted President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, as its presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
In its resolution, the PFN declared: "The PFN does not support the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public office. Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation whose diversity should be reflected in its leadership. Inclusive governance promotes national unity, mutual trust, and a sense of belonging among all citizens". The fellowship reiterated its unwavering commitment to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, stressing that the nation can only flourish where justice, equity, the rule of law, and respect for the Constitution prevail. The body maintained that political arrangements should take into consideration Nigeria's plural nature and avoid creating perceptions of exclusion among religious groups.
Beyond its stance on electoral politics, the PFN also voiced strong opposition to proposed legislative measures aimed at restricting or banning Christian preaching across the country. The fellowship categorised such initiatives as direct breaches of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which explicitly guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, and peaceful assembly. While acknowledging the government's need for lawful regulation to preserve public order, the organisation cautioned authorities against using regulatory frameworks to suppress legitimate religious rights or discriminate against specific faith communities.
The fellowship called on all branches and levels of government to uphold constitutional provisions and protect the fundamental rights of every Nigerian regardless of faith. It further urged Christians nationwide to remain peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding, and steadfast while exercising their constitutional rights responsibly and without violence or provocation. The PFN also encouraged sincere dialogue among government, religious leaders, and civil society in addressing issues capable of threatening national cohesion, insisting that Nigeria's diversity should be regarded as a strength to be nurtured rather than a source of division. The fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to praying for the nation and working with all stakeholders to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law.
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