From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Kaduna-based outspoken Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has placed the 2023 presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, saying that Nigeria does not need a novice as president, but an experienced politician to lead it in 2023 general election.
Sheikh Gumi however, advised that Nigerians should do away with ethnoreligious politics in this 21st century, and come together as one united people for the progress of the country.
Fielding questions from reporters in his Kaduna residence on the forthcoming general election and the state of the nation, the Islamic Cleric said there was nothing wrong with politicians contesting election several times, seeking victory.
On Atiku that had contested several times for the presidency, Sheikh Gumi said, “Nigeria needs an experienced politician. We don’t need a novice to be President. The situation in Nigeria today needs an experienced politician to solve it”.
On Tinubu who said it is his turn to be President, Sheikh Gumi said, “it is not proper for him to say it is his turn. There is no question to say it is my turn. Don’t say it is my turn because if people like you they will vote for you. He is a good administrator, he can do it. The Muslim-Muslim ticket is unnecessary. We all know, that all these politicians are looking for votes. The Muslim-Muslim ticket is, let me use the Hausa language, is ‘wayo’ (deceit). It is not religion. Whether it will work or not, I don’t want to prophesy but there are a lot of hurdles. All political parties have hurdles. Muslim-Muslim ticket is going to be a laboratory test for others to emulate or not”.
The Islamic Cleric also spoke about Peter Obi, saying, “youths following him are divided like the adults. He needs to reach out to other segments of Nigerians. Relying on youths is not enough. He has to be all over the place, and not leave politics to one region”.
Sheikh Gumi warned that if an inexperienced politician is voted into power, he will find it difficult to assemble the best brains within a possible time to set the nation working progressively.
