A coalition of Muslim leaders under the aegis of the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and League of Alfas in Osun State has called on Muslims across the state to support the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), in the August 15 governorship election, alleging that Muslims have been marginalised under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Tuesday during a press conference titled “State of the Nation: A Call to the Conscience of Muslims in Osun State,” the President of the group, Sheikh Qozeem AbdulRahaman, said the forthcoming governorship election “is not merely about electing another governor, but about justice, equity, fairness, sincerity and the future of Muslims in Osun State.”

He alleged that claims by the Adeleke administration that it had done more for Muslims than previous governments were inconsistent with realities on the ground.

“For several months, we have listened to repeated claims by Governor Ademola Adeleke and members of his administration that his government has done more for Muslims than any previous administration. After reviewing the available information, we are unable to reconcile many of these claims with what we have observed on the ground,” he said.

The group questioned the status of some projects frequently cited by the government, including the Government House Mosque and the Osun Hajj Camp.

“One of the major achievements frequently cited is the construction of a mosque within the Government House. However, our observations indicate that the project remains incomplete and, in our assessment, has not progressed to the level portrayed in public statements,” AbdulRahaman stated.

He added, “Similarly, claims that a new Hajj Camp has been completed for intending pilgrims from Osun State do not, in our view, reflect the current state of the facility. We therefore urge the public to independently verify the status of the project.”

The group also expressed concern over what it described as an imbalance in political appointments and leadership positions, alleging that many strategic offices in the state were occupied by Christians.

“Many Muslims have expressed concern about what they perceive as an imbalance in key political and administrative positions. These perceptions have contributed to a growing feeling among many Muslims that they have not received equitable representation in government,” he said.

While insisting that the press conference was not intended to create division between adherents of the two major religions, AbdulRahaman stressed that the group’s demand was for fairness and justice.

“This press conference is not intended to promote division between Muslims and Christians. Islam teaches justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence. Our Christian brothers and sisters are fellow citizens and neighbours, and we seek a society where everyone enjoys equal opportunities,” he said.

The group also referenced the governor’s donation to a church in Lagos, saying Muslims in Osun deserved similar support.

“The other time the governor went to a church in Lagos and donated N1 billion. Since then, we have been calling on the government to balance the equation by making a similar donation to the Muslim community in Osun State. Charity, they say, begins at home,” he said.

Endorsing the APC governorship candidate, the group urged Muslims to support Oyebamiji based on his competence and leadership qualities.

“For the first time in many years, a respected Muslim son of Osun, Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, is seeking the mandate of the people to serve as governor. We are not asking Muslims to support him merely because he is a Muslim. Rather, we urge every voter to consider his character, competence, experience, leadership qualities and vision for Osun State,” AbdulRahaman said.

He called on Muslims across the state to participate peacefully in the election and vote according to their conscience.

“We therefore call upon every Muslim across Osun State—our Imams, Alfas, scholars, professionals, artisans, traders, women, youths and students—to participate peacefully in the democratic process and to vote according to their conscience,” he said.

The group further urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property before, during and after the election.

“We commend the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for maintaining law and order so far. We urge them to intensify their efforts in protecting lives and property as tension mounts ahead of the election and to discharge their duties professionally without fear or favour,” AbdulRahaman added.

The Muslim leaders also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election that would reflect the will of the people.

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