The National leadership of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, has disassociated the organisation from the endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC and his running-mate, Kashim Shettima, in Saturday’s presidential election.
The Muslim students’ body though didn’t mention the candidate’s name in the press release, Muslim News findings revealed that it was reacting to the endorsement of Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday by one of its organs, the A-Zone.
Recall that MSSN A-Zone which comprises 19 northern states including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT had on Wednesday declared support for the APC presidential candidate, saying that it would be a “deadly hypocrisy” for the organisation to sit on the fence regarding the 2023 elections.
UPDATE: The National leadership of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, #MSSN, has disassociated the society from the endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the APC & his running-mate, Kashim Shettima, in Saturday’s presidential #2023Elections pic.twitter.com/L5gAtVq8MV
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) February 23, 2023
In a swift reaction, the National Amir (president), Shehu Abubakar Uthman in a statement, dissociated itself from any such endorsement, saying the society prides itself in upholding peace and harmony of a multiethnic and diverse Nigeria above any interest.
Mallam Uthman therefore urged Nigerians, especially Muslim students to vote in candidates who will sincerely deliver their responsibilities and make the country a better place place for all.
He said: “The National Headquarters of the MSSN at this juncture disassociates itself from any acclaimed endorsement of a presidential candidate under any political party in the country. The Society outrightly stands for justice and sincere services to God and humanity.
“Furthermore, MSSN at this moment, most frankly applauds our respected membership who are actively or passive partaking at various political activities across different parties and platforms for different viable leadership positions across Nigeria. Hence, any proclamation of a presidential candidate from any political party made in the name of MSSN should please be disregarded.”
He seized the opportunity to remind leaders of what leadership entails.
“The National Leadership of the MSSN is once again reminding members that leadership is generally about addressing and resolving needs of the community. Thus, it is believed that asserting the areas of human desires which will bring about great transformations at security, education, economy, heath, infrastructural growth and development as well as other social amenities accompanied with sincerity in faith should be our prime goals and concerns.
He then urged the electorates to look inwardly when choosing their candidates.
“Furtherance to the above, the leadership of the MSSN calls on it members to critically look inwards, having the interest of the Ummah and society at heart to strategically mobilize members to vote fur the political candidates of whom from all analysis will be able to sincerely deliver the human basic needs and promote our dear nation to better prosperity.”
He eventually warned the citizenry against all forms of electoral violence and to be law-abiding during the polls.
