…Say Exclusion Threatens Equity, Unity
Urge Parties To Field Muslim Candidates
A coalition of Muslim organisations in the South-West, under the aegis of Southwest Muslims for Good Governance, has renewed calls for equitable religious representation in political leadership, demanding that political parties field a Muslim candidate for the Ogun State governorship election in 2027.
The demand was made on Monday during a joint press conference held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where the groups declared that the continued exclusion of Muslims from the state’s top political office was unjust and unacceptable.
The coalition, which includes the Muslim Rights Concern, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, Islamic Training Organisation of Nigeria, and other stakeholders, said the agitation was driven by the need for fairness, justice and democratic balance.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Co-Convener of the coalition, Alhaji Kehinde Lawal, said the demand was not rooted in religious sentiment but in the principles of inclusivity and equity.
He warned that persistent marginalisation of any group in a plural society could breed discontent and weaken national cohesion.
“Today, we gather not in anger or division, but in strong conviction rooted in equity and democratic balance,” Lawal said. “Democracy must provide a legitimate pathway to leadership for all segments of society.”
Lawal noted that despite Muslims constituting a significant portion of the population in Ogun State and the South-West, their representation at the highest level of governance in the state has remained minimal.
He pointed out that the current leadership structure in the state is dominated by Christians, listing Governor Dapo Abiodun, Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, and Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya.
According to him, the imbalance has persisted despite the contributions of Muslim professionals to the socio-economic development of the state.
Providing historical context, Lawal stated that since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, only one Muslim has served as a civilian governor for about eight years, compared to over two decades of Christian leadership.
“This imbalance understandably fuels the present call for fairness and inclusion,” he added.
The coalition stressed that inclusive governance would promote peace, stability and development, while continued exclusion could deepen feelings of alienation among affected groups.
It therefore urged political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to ensure fairness in the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, Ameer Shereef Mayaleeke, who represented the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria in Ogun State, said Muslim groups across the state were united in their demand, declaring that “enough is enough” regarding what he described as marginalisation in key public offices.
In his welcome address, the General Secretary of the coalition, Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, reiterated that the agitation was not about dominance but about ensuring that leadership reflects the diversity of the people.
He urged political parties to present credible Muslim candidates and called on religious and community leaders to promote justice, fairness and mutual understanding.
The coalition added that the electorate must also play a role by supporting candidates who represent inclusivity and competence, regardless of religious background.
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