In Nigeria, the issue of religious balancing is a topical issue at the moment, especially to the run up of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was one of the first religious organization to warn of the consequences of Fielding a 'same religion' ticket by any political party. The association argued that doing so would negate the religious sensitivity of the country especially now that the country is tending to drift along ethnic and religious line. Although other groups and individuals have supported the argument of the Christian Association of Nigeria, there are many others who do not agree with the need to balance religious beliefs in politics. 

        In Kaduna state where the population is mixed with many ethnic groups and evenly balanced with the Christian and Muslim citizens living in the state,it currently has a Muslim Governor and deputy. There are also many important government offices occupied by Muslim citizens. Many would argue that this may be the reason why insecurity persists despite all efforts made by the political class and the law enforcement agencies. Recent developments in the All Progressive Congress suggests that the Muslim-Muslim ticket will continue.

        At the national level, the All Progressive Congress is seriously pursuing such agenda while other parties have balanced their tickets to accommodate the religious divide in the country. 

        It is a fact that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic  society and arrangements must be made to accommodate all religious and/or ethnic groups in the country. We can't afford to experience a major crises as a result of religion. The political actors must thread with caution and let 'Common sense' prevail.

               MADU JUDE NIM writing from Kaduna north

In Nigeria, the preparations for the 2023 general elections have virtually grounded governance. I would x-ray a few of the challenges the country and its people must overcome to have the desired outcome in the general election for next year. Some of them include;

• The registration of eligible voters and the collection of the Permanent Voter's Card( PVC) is a major challenge confronting the electoral outcome of 2023 general elections. Most young people do not see the urgency to do this considering the closure of this exercise by the end of June. This may be as a result of the harsh economic reality the country is facing. It is not convenient for people to leave their businesses to spend hours and days in some cases to be registered as a voter.

• The choice of the candidates to vote for is another issue confronting the electorate. Some people believe that the two major political parties-APC and PDP should not be elected again as they have been tried but have failed the nation. The search for a 'Third Force' political party is elusive. Although, there is hope that it could materialize before the election. Time will tell if it will come to fruition.

• The use of the social media to aggregate views is a talking point in the electoral system in Nigeria. The young people have deployed this tool in making their choice of candidates known. Some have done that with derogatory words and it has polluted the social media space. 

• Lastly, most political lack ideology and you can hardly choose among them. Their manifestoes are not clear and their campaigns are devoid of any distinct campaign promises and desire to change the status quo.

These are the many problems the electorate would have to find quick ways of solving if the next general elections would usher the country to a more prosperous and united country.