Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has attributed President Bola Tinubu’s defeat in Lagos State during the 2023 presidential election to concerns over the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket, rather than the popularity of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
Speaking during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Obanikoro said many Lagos voters were apprehensive about the implications of having both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the APC as Muslims.
According to him, the religious composition of the ticket created fears among Christians that they could be sidelined under a Tinubu administration.
“What defeated us in Lagos was the Muslim-Muslim ticket, not Peter Obi,” Obanikoro said.
He explained that many Nigerians were uncertain about what a Tinubu presidency would mean, adding that concerns over possible religious bias influenced voting decisions in Lagos.
However, Obanikoro argued that those fears have since been disproved, describing President Tinubu as a leader who does not discriminate on the basis of religion.
He pointed to Tinubu’s family background and appointments in government, noting that the President’s wife is a pastor, his son, Seyi Tinubu, is a Christian, and that many members of his cabinet are Christians.
Obanikoro maintained that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated inclusiveness, contrary to the fears that surrounded the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2023 general election.
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