Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has weighed in on the recent discussions surrounding the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s visits to churches. In an interview with GHOne TV on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Sheikh Shaibu stated that there is nothing inherently wrong with the Vice President, a Muslim, entering churches and engaging with Christians.
According to Sheikh Shaibu, Dr. Bawumia’s interactions with the Christian community should be viewed as a political tactic rather than a religious matter. He highlighted that the Vice President is well aware that even if he secures the votes of all Muslims in Ghana, it would not be sufficient to guarantee his victory in the upcoming December 7, 2024, election. Therefore, it is a sensible political strategy for Dr. Bawumia to engage with Christians and seek their support.
Sheikh Shaibu further pointed out that this practice is not unique to the Vice President, as Christian politicians also actively engage with the Muslim community to gain their backing. He emphasized that there is nothing wrong with politicians reaching out to different religious groups as part of their campaign efforts.
“He (Dr. Bawumia) is employing political tactics. Dr. Bawumia knows that even if all Muslims in this country vote for him, he cannot win the election. True or false? True. So politically, it doesn’t make sense to be on one side,” Sheikh Shaibu explained.
The Chief Imam’s spokesperson also addressed the issue of pastors praying for the Vice President, stating that there is nothing wrong with this practice. He drew a comparison to the Chief Imam himself, who often lays hands on and prays for both Muslim and Christian politicians. Sheikh Shaibu noted that when politicians meet with the Chief Imam, they often squat and allow him to hold their heads and offer prayers, demonstrating their respect for his spiritual guidance.
“Chief Imam lays hands on politicians. He lays his hands on politicians, and it’s in the pictures; people know. When I meet the Chief Imam and Muslim and Christian politicians, they squat and give their heads to him to hold and pray. It is because of how they see him, but it doesn’t make them less Christian,” Sheikh Shaibu explained.
As the 2024 election approaches, the political landscape in Ghana is witnessing increased interactions between politicians and various religious communities. While some may question the motives behind these engagements, Sheikh Shaibu’s perspective suggests that they are a natural part of the political process and should be viewed through the lens of strategic campaigning rather than religious concerns.
Ultimately, the success of any candidate in the upcoming election will depend on their ability to garner support from a diverse range of voters, regardless of their religious affiliations. As the campaign season unfolds, it remains to be seen how effective Dr. Bawumia’s outreach to the Christian community will be in securing the votes he needs to emerge victorious.
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