Catholic Church remains to decide whether to support the APC’s same-faith ticket – Cardinal Onaiyekan

Obinwannem News Catholic Church remains to decide whether to support the APC's same-faith ticket - Cardinal Onaiyekan

The Catholic Church has yet to decide on the APC’s same-faith ticket, according to Cardinal Onaiyekan, and some parties will bear responsibility for its decision.

Shina Abubakar writes: The Catholic Church, according to Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has not taken a position on the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 presidential elections.

Cardinal Onaiyekan said at the ongoing First Synod of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo at St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State, in a paper titled “The Church as an Agent of Dialogue and Reconciliation in Our Community in Quest For a Just and Peaceful Social Order,” “You will note that the Catholic Bishop Conference has not taken any action on the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress on this matter.”

“The reason for this is that the ticket is a political decision made by the party based on the calculation that it is the best way for them to win the election or ensure their victory in the 2023 general election.”

“It is pointless to tell them not to make such a decision; all you can say is that they must accept responsibility for the decision they have made.” I only have one voter registration card, and by God’s grace, I intend to use it. That is my decision; I will not vote for the Muslim/Muslim ticket.

“However, because it is a political decision made by a political party, all the church can do officially is bring this fact to light and advise people to make their political decisions accordingly.”

He recalled that the church had warned APC Campaign Director General, Governor Simon Lalong, about bringing the Pope’s name into his appointment, but that his apology was accepted after he realized his shortcomings.

“When the APC leadership appointed Plateau State Governor Solomon Lalong, a Catholic, as Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, he made the decision politically.”

“We only called him to order when he brought up the Pope’s name during the appointment and political discussion.” He offered his apologies, which we accepted because he is a member of the Papal Knights,” Cardinal Onaiyekan explained.

According to him, the APC is a legitimate political party in the country, with members from various religious sects, including the Catholic Church; therefore, individuals must make their own decisions.

“The APC is still regarded as a legitimate party in Nigeria,” he added. Many Catholics are members of the APC and hold important positions. We are not involved in partisan politics, according to our church.”

Chimaobi Ugwu reporting, Obinwannem News Writer 06/10/2022

leave a reply

WP Radio
WP Radio
OFFLINE LIVE