The Amir of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, A-Zone, Muhammad Bin Isa, has shed more light on the reason the organisation endorsed the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running-mate, Kashim Shettima, in Saturday’s presidential election.
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.
In a swift reaction, the National Amir (president) of MSSN, Mallam Shehu Abubakar Uthman in a statement released on Thursday, 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.
BREAKING NEWS: Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, #MSSN, A-Zone, comprises 19 northern states including FCT, has endorsed the candidacy of #Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu & his running-mate, Kashim Shettima, in Saturday’s presidential election.#NigeriaDecides2023 #Atiku #Kwankwaso pic.twitter.com/RxaW0YTHHv
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) February 23, 2023
But, Mallam Bin Isa, while speaking with Muslim News later on Thursday, insisted that it’s the turn of their brethren in the South to produce the next president of the most populous African country.
“Our press release has generated heated debate within and outside the country,” said the Zonal Amir, noting that the decision of the Muslim students was borne out of genuine love for their brethren in the South, who have been sidelined in the scheme of things over the years.
According to him, The Muslim Ummah in the south who have always been sidelined in the scheme of things are feeling betrayed by their brethren from the north, which has the propensity to devour the unity of Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
“Strategically, this will be dangerous for future alliance between the two Muslim blocks and will fit very well into the Christian agenda. We thought the unity of Nigerian Muslims as a block surpasses regional or ethnic interests. This is our honest Ijtihad.
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
Mallam Bin Isa said contrary to insinuations from some quarters, the decision of the Muslim students body to support Muslim-Muslim ticket was not influenced by financial inducement.
He said, “We considered our brotherhood with Muslims in the southwest who have been made to believe that a northern Muslim, IBB, scuttled their chance during Abiola/Kingibe. Now they have an opportunity and they need our support in what seems as their last opportunity in the foreseeable future to help them, thereby cementing our unity as Muslims and harnessing our strength as Nigerian Muslims in the political landscape of the country.”
The largest Muslim students’ body in Nigeria admitted that if calling on the Muslim electorate to vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the press release was the problem, he therefore urged Nigerians to vote for presidential candidate with Muslim-Muslim ticket (without mentioning names)
“Finally, we urge all to vote for the candidate of their choice and let us fear Allah in discharging our duty. We thank you all for your guidance and advises. May Allah unite us more and take us to greater heights. All ill feelings are regretted,” he added.
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