2027: Ogun Muslims demand equity in guber race

The Muslim Advocacy Group in Ogun State has called for equity in the 2027 governorship election, urging political stakeholders to ensure fair representation in the choice of the next governor.

In a statement signed by Abdul Semi’u Adebesin for the Muslim Advocacy Group, Ogun State, the group said the call became necessary as the state approaches another electoral cycle.

“As Ogun State approaches another critical electoral cycle, the question of fairness, inclusion and equitable representation has once again come to the forefront of public discourse.

“The Muslim community, which forms a significant and indispensable part of the State’s socio-political fabric, can no longer remain silent on an issue that directly touches on justice, balance and democratic integrity.

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“It is within this context that the Muslim Advocacy Group issues this statement to clearly and unequivocally present the position of Muslims across Ogun State regarding the 2027 governorship election.

“Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, the state has produced five democratically elected governors. However, only one of these governors has been a Muslim.

“This persistent imbalance is difficult to justify in a pluralistic society where Muslims have continuously played vital roles in governance, education, commerce and community development,” the statement read.

The group recalled that at the end of the tenure of the only Muslim Governor, Christian groups demanded a shift in leadership, which was accepted by political stakeholders.

“It is also important to remind the public of a significant precedent in the State’s political history. At the end of the tenure of the only Muslim governor, various Christian groups and organisations openly agitated for a shift in leadership to a Christian, emphasising the need for fairness and balance.

“That agitation was acknowledged and respected by political stakeholders, ultimately resulting in the emergence of a Christian governor.

“Today, as the tenure of the current Christian Governor gradually comes to an end, equity and consistency demand that the same principle be upheld.

“Justice cannot be selective. Fairness must not be applied only when convenient. If it was right then, it is right now,” the statement noted.

The group maintained that it is the turn of a Muslim to produce the next governor in the state, stressing that the demand is based on fairness and competence.

“The Muslim Advocacy Group, therefore, states in clear and unmistakable terms that it is the turn of a Muslim to assume the governorship of Ogun State in 2027.

“This demand is not an appeal for tokenism, nor is it a call for religious sentiment to override merit.

“On the contrary, Ogun State is richly endowed with numerous highly qualified, competent and visionary Muslim individuals who have excelled in various sectors, including public administration, academia, business, and governance.

“The state is not in short supply of capable Muslim leaders who can deliver purposeful and inclusive governance.

“Our position is firmly rooted in the principle of equity with competence.”

The group described its position as peaceful and aimed at strengthening unity in the state.

“We emphasise that this advocacy is peaceful, democratic and constructive.

“It is aimed at strengthening unity by ensuring that every major segment of the state feels seen, respected and fairly treated.

“Sustainable peace and progress can only thrive where justice is not only done but seen to be done.

“We, therefore, call on political parties, stakeholders, opinion leaders and all well-meaning citizens of Ogun State to rise above bias and act in the interest of fairness, inclusiveness and historical consistency.

“Ignoring this legitimate call risks creating avoidable disaffection and undermining the spirit of unity that Ogun State is known for.

“The time to act justly is now. Ogun State belongs to all of us, and its leadership must reflect that collective ownership,” the statement added.