Bashir Yankuzu, Chief Imam of Federal University of Technology, Minna Central Mosque, has urged Muslims to vote only those that’ll protect their interests.

Urging eligible Muslims to get ready their permanent voter cards ahead of the 2023 general elections, Mr Yankuzu said during Friday sermon at the mosque that it was only by doing so that one could elect a credible leader of his choice.

“We must never allow room for anybody to take advantage against our interest for his selfish political reason.

“We should ensure we cast our votes for whoever we are convinced will not only protect our interest but will be fair and just to everybody, irrespective of religious affiliations.

“Our concern is not Muslim-Muslim or Muslim-Christian or Christian-Christian tickets but what matters is who will ensure good democratic governance.

“If a single vote should be the reason for Ummah to lose something, it must never be yours because you refuse to vote.

“We have a duty to get our voter card, pray to Allah for guidance and then use our judgement to vote for whom we believe can deliver. We cannot afford not to use the strength of population we have,” the cleric said.

Mr Yankuzu added that “There are reliable and trustworthy people of the Book as Allah told us, but there are those looking for opportunities to inflict pain. The prophet says whoever does not show concern to the situation of his people is not part of him.

“How can someone refuse to get his voter’s card at a time like this and then say he is concerned about the situation we found ourselves in,” he asked.

The cleric called on eligible residents to participate in the electoral process by acquiring a permanent voters card, saying, “every person must get his or her voters card.”

(NAN)