There has been serious backlash from Nigerians, especially Christians, following the decision of the party and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to announce the former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima as his running-mate.

Lukman, while speaking with select journalists on Thursday in Abuja noted that the leadership of the party considered all the factors before arriving at the decision.

The party chieftain, however, assured that Tinubu will protect the interest of all.

Lukman stated: “You see, my position, which I have always buttressed, is that politics is about contest and managing interests. Certainly, the party leadership will have to consider all the factors before arriving. Arrive with respect to the running mate. In the end, we have to convince Nigerians that Muslim-Muslim ticket or however you look at it does not mean discrimination against anybody.”

Reacting to the recent outburst of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babchir Lawal on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Lukman said the National Publicity Secretary of the party should be in a better position to respond to it.

Lukman further stressed that the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, is not a threat to the ruling party ahead of the 2023 elections.

He said that the APC would work hard to achieve success in the forthcoming elections without dismissing anyone.

The party chieftain said the difference between APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties is that APC is grounded in the minds of the people.

Lukman added: “We have made it very clear. The difference between APC in 2015 and Kwankwaso in 2023 is that APC was grounded in the minds of people. You can see for yourself but in the case of other parties, including PDP, what they are hoping they are waiting for us to mismanage ourselves on the basis of which they pack whatever we are not able to achieve.

“Now, the reality is that we are not taking anything for granted. We are not dismissing people. We are going to work hard.”