Tinubu Has Bridged Nigeria’s Religious Divide — CAN Youth Leader Support Good Governance
By Clement Odum
The National Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Evangelist Ademola Arowolo, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has “broken the gap of religion” in Nigeria, describing his administration as a unifying force despite concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket at the national level.
Arowolo made the remarks at a forum of Christian leaders convened in support of the current administration. According to him, the gathering was aimed at fostering unity among Christian leaders and mobilizing support for what he described as the ongoing transformation under Tinubu’s leadership.
“We are here as a forum of Christian leaders in support of the governance of this country,” he said. “We have come together again to speak with one voice about the governance of Nigeria and about the work President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been doing. If you look critically at where this country was four years ago and where we are now, there is a lot of improvement.”
He noted that the group is already expressing support for a second term for the President to enable him to consolidate on what he has started. “We want to support the governance again for the second term so that the work he has started can be completed,” he added.
Addressing concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket at the federal level and what some perceive as religious dominance in politics, Arowolo said Christians must take responsibility for their level of political participation rather than complain about exclusion.
“For many years, Christians believed politics was not for them,” he said. “But now we are sanitizing that mindset. Even from the Bible, politics started from the home. We cannot separate ourselves from governance.”He pointed to the President’s family as an example of religious coexistence. “Our President’s family reflects both Islam and Christianity. His wife is a pastor and he is an Alhaji. He has projected the good and perfect aspect of religion and has not stopped his wife from practicing her faith. President Tinubu has broken the religious circle in this country, and we must emulate that spirit of unity.”
On the approach to the 2027 general elections, Arowolo emphasized that religion should not be the primary consideration in choosing leaders. Instead, he advocated competence, experience, and capacity to deliver good governance.
“Religion does not guarantee good governance. A Christian can be worse than a Muslim in office, and vice versa. What matters is personality, capacity, and experience. We must elect someone who understands the pains of the people and has passed through the necessary stages of leadership.”
He urged Christians to unite and actively participate in the political process, warning that silence and division weaken their influence.
“When the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket came up, Christians made noise but did not stand in one accord. That is why we are calling on Christians now — let us stand together, become one, and engage actively in governance.”
Arowolo concluded by stressing that national interest must override religious sentiments. “Either Muslim or Christian, we are all created by God. Our focus should be on the progress of Nigeria and the wellbeing of the masses,” he said.
