Keyamo also said contrary to claims by Lawal, the group ‘Northern Christians bloc’ being referenced by him is not known to APC’s constitution
By Kehinde Okeowo
Spokesperson to the All Progressives Party (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo has reacted to threats by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, to mobilise northern Christians to vote against the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Lawal on Wednesday, September 21, said the same-faith ticket by the APC was a deliberate attempt to further create divisions in the North.
He also said he and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara will work with about 40 other Northern Christian leaders to ensure the ticket fails.
According to Punch, Dogara had earlier on Tuesday urged Christians to reject the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying it is “doomed to end in a spectacular failure.”
ALSO READ: Babachir Lawal insists Northern Christians will vote against same faith ticket
Reacting to Babachir Lawal’s threat on Thursday, Festus Keyamo asserted that both men merely expressed their frustration, which is normal for concerned party members and part of democratic tenets.
He said, “I think they have made their point and they have been heard loud and clear. After that, they must allow the majority members of the party to have their say and way. Let Nigerians as a whole also have their say at the 2023 general elections”
The APC Presidential Campaign Council’s spokesperson went on to argue that despite their right to speak their minds, it is wrong to impose their will on others.
He also said contrary to claims by Lawal, the group ‘Northern Christians bloc’ being referenced by the SGF is not known to the party’s constitution.
“What is not acceptable is an attempt to force their personal opinion as the view of a non-existent bloc in the APC. There is nothing called ‘Northern Christians bloc’ within the party.
“They have not been nominated at any event by the party’s Constitution to be the leader of any bloc called Northern Christians bloc. They have not been elected or nominated. What they are conducting is just their own opinion or agenda. They should not pretend to be leading a non-existent bloc in the party.” Keyamo added.
