Fawaz Adebisi
A coalition of Muslim leaders in Osun State has challenged Governor Ademola Adeleke’s claim that his administration has done more for the Muslim community than previous governments, while declaring support for the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
The group, operating under the aegis of the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and League of Alfas in Osun State, made its position known on Thursday at a press conference in Osogbo ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The coalition, in a statement titled, “State of the Nation: A Call to the Conscience of Muslims in Osun State,” said the forthcoming election offered residents an opportunity to assess the records, competence and leadership qualities of the various candidates.
The President of the group, Sheikh Qozeem AbdulRahaman, said the coalition disagreed with the Adeleke administration’s assessment of its performance on issues affecting Muslims in the state.
AbdulRahaman specifically questioned the government’s claims regarding some projects presented as achievements for the Muslim community, including the Government House Mosque and the Osun Hajj Camp.
He urged residents to independently verify the status of the projects rather than relying solely on claims made by the government or its political opponents.
“We urge the people to verify the claims and assess the projects based on what is physically on ground,” the group said.
The coalition also raised concerns over what it described as complaints from some members of the Muslim community about their representation in political appointments and other leadership positions in the state.
The Secretary of the group, Abdulganiy Sahid, said the concerns reflected perceptions among some members of the community and called for what he described as equitable representation in government.
He, however, stressed that the coalition’s position should not be interpreted as a call for religious division or hostility among residents of different faiths.
The group said its demand was for fairness, inclusion and equal opportunities for all residents of Osun State, irrespective of religious affiliation.
On its endorsement of Oyebamiji, the coalition said its decision was based on its assessment of his character, experience, competence and leadership qualities.
It urged voters not to make their choice solely on the basis of religious identity, but to consider the candidates’ capacity to govern and deliver good leadership.
The endorsement comes against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive political atmosphere in Osun State, with the incumbent Adeleke seeking another term and the APC challenging the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration.
The coalition also appealed to Muslims and other residents across the state to participate in the August 15 election peacefully and exercise their democratic rights according to their conscience.
It urged political actors and their supporters to avoid actions capable of heightening tension before, during and after the poll.
The group maintained that the election should be determined by issues of governance, accountability, fairness, competence and the welfare of the people rather than religious sentiment.
The coalition’s position adds another layer to the growing political contest ahead of the governorship election, particularly as both major political camps continue to campaign aggressively for voters across the state.
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