An Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Remmy Hazzan, has called on Nigerians to prioritise competence over religious affiliation in choosing political leaders, insisting that faith should not be the determining factor in leadership.
Hazzan, who is also a former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.
According to him, the APC’s decision to retain its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections was driven by political realities rather than religious bias.
He argued that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated religious tolerance throughout his public and private life, pointing to his marriage to an ordained RCCG pastor as evidence of his respect for religious diversity.
“The wife of the President is an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. If such a man could live with his Christian wife for as long as they have been married, that shows his level of religious tolerance,” Hazzan said.
The cleric dismissed claims that the APC’s ticket undermines the interests of Christians, maintaining that there has been no evidence of religious discrimination under the current administration.
He further explained that the emergence of a Southern Muslim as the presidential candidate of a major political party presented a unique political situation that influenced the party’s choice of running mate.
Hazzan urged Christians, Muslims and adherents of traditional religion to present capable individuals for leadership positions, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on electing the most qualified candidates.
“The best of us should rule the rest of us, not the worst of us ruling the best of us. Christians, throw up your best. Muslims, throw up your best. Even the traditional religion, throw up your best,” he said.
He also rejected the belief that politics and Christianity are incompatible, insisting that believers can participate in governance without compromising their faith or values.
