Dr. Jonathan Asake, former president of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), urges Nigerian political parties to consider various factors in their strategies instead of focusing solely on religion. He believes successful parties must acknowledge ethnic diversity and the country’s social dynamics.
In a recent interview with The Sun, Dr. Asake highlighted that while the Muslim-Muslim ticket is a concern, it’s crucial to consider ethnicity and regional representation. He emphasized that political arrangements should reflect Nigeria’s diverse makeup, advocating for fairness and inclusivity.
Affiliated with the Labour Party, Dr. Asake supported Peter Obi, arguing that the South-East deserves representation in leadership. He noted that the South-East has not held the presidency since the Second Republic, constituting inequality in political representation.
Support for Peter Obi from various groups shows a unifying call for justice and fairness in Nigeria’s political landscape. Dr. Asake stated this collective effort arises from a desire for equity, indicating a shift toward inclusivity among different ethnic groups.
His words,
“A political party that wants to get it right must look at this balance of forces. It will not just be the Muslim –Muslim thing, it will also include the ethnicities.”