PUNCH newspaper reports that Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola has been ruled out as a running mate to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress whenever the candidate emerges.
It is believed that due to Governor Fashola’s religious orientation he is unlikely to be given the nod to run as vice president. It is most likely that APC’s presidential candidate will be Muslim as three of their presidential aspirants are Muslim; former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and current Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwanso . The only aspirant who is Christian is newspaper publisher, Sam Nda-Isiah.
A source who spoke to Sunday punch reportedly stated that while Governor Fashola might be the best suited for the position, the role of religion would prevent the party from fielding the governor.
The source said, “You know that the South-West is a base for the APC and it also contributed immensely to its formation. We would have preferred Fashola because of his pedigree in the state. Moreover, of all the APC governors from the zone, he is the only one doing his second term.
“But this issue of religion is the problem. Apart from this, other APC governors from the zone are also Muslims. You may need to recall that the enemies of our party tried in vain before to label the party a Muslim party.”
“Even though they have failed, we may also need to be guided by the words of advice from former President Olusegun Obasanjo against any party fielding same religion ticket. This is what is hampering us concerning Fashola, whose performance and competence cannot be queried.”
Source: Punch