Former Vice-Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has alleged that Islam is facing reputational damage under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Baba-Ahmed spoke at a political event organised by the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) under its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

During the session, he addressed what he described as a sensitive but necessary issue concerning leadership and representation.

“There’s a question you wanted, but let me take the liberty, if you are afraid to ask it,” he said, adding that such discussions require courage.

He acknowledged the weight of his remarks, saying, “It’s not easy for me to say this… but it must be said.”

Baba-Ahmed stated that, in his view, “the world of Islam has never suffered reputational damage as under Tinubu, Shettima presidency.”

He argued that in many countries led by Muslims, governance had been associated with peace and justice, while referencing past leaders to illustrate his point.

The former senator, however, clarified that his comments were not intended to promote religion over competence but to emphasise the need for sincerity in leadership.

“This is not about religion,” he said. “If you are presenting religion, then present genuine candidates who will govern by the dictates of their faith.”

He added that leadership, whether Christian or Muslim, should reflect authenticity and accountability.

“If you are bringing a Christian, we want a genuine Christian. If you are bringing a Muslim, we want a genuine Muslim,” he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing national conversations on leadership standards, governance and political representation in Nigeria.

In related but separate development the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) accused the Federal Government (FG) of favouritism over the ongoing construction of a N25 billion church building at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday, Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, also slammed the Federal Government for giving out the sum of N2 billion to victims of violence in Plateau State “without a corresponding donation to victims of the same violence in Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara, etc”.

Akintola said: ‎”The Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have flagged off the construction of a N25 billion (25 billion naira) ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre located at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

‎”FG should explain this preferential treatment. Nigerian Muslims deserve better than this. Tongues are wagging in the mosques. Muslim social media platforms are buzzing with frenzy over this lopsided arrangement.” (Daily Trust)

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