Pastor Remmy Hazzan, a former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has defended the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, insisting the choice was driven by political realities rather than religious bias.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Hazzan rejected claims that the arrangement sidelines Christians, arguing that President Bola Tinubu has consistently demonstrated respect for religious diversity.
According to him, Tinubu’s decades-long marriage to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, an ordained RCCG pastor, reflects his commitment to religious harmony and tolerance.
Hazzan maintained that the APC’s decision was shaped by electoral considerations, noting that the emergence of a Southern Muslim as the party’s presidential candidate presented an unusual political scenario.
He explained that selecting a Northern Christian running mate would have required complex political negotiations, making the eventual choice a strategic one rather than an attempt to exclude Christians.
The cleric stressed that the party’s decision should not be interpreted as hostility toward Christianity, adding that competence and integrity—not religion—should determine who occupies public office.
He urged Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths to present capable leaders for elective positions, arguing that society benefits when merit takes precedence over religious identity.
Reviewing the Tinubu administration after three years in office, Hazzan acknowledged that some economic reforms had imposed short-term hardship but expressed confidence that the policies were beginning to yield positive results.
He appealed to Nigerians to allow the administration sufficient time to complete its economic reforms, describing the current difficulties as necessary steps toward long-term prosperity.
Hazzan also encouraged Christians to become more actively involved in politics, dismissing the belief that governance should be left to non-believers.
He argued that political participation offers an opportunity for people of faith to promote integrity and ethical leadership, while urging Christian public office holders to remain guided by their moral principles throughout their time in government.
