By John Dike, Osogbo
A coalition of Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas in Osun State has endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The endorsement was announced during a press conference titled “State of the Nation,” where the group said its decision followed what it described as an extensive assessment of the leading candidates, their track records, commitment to socio-religious balance and political viability.
The statement was jointly signed by Sheikh Qozeem AbdulRahaman, President of the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and League of Alfas, Osun State, and the group’s Secretary-General, Mallam Abdulganiy Sahid Olaide Ezra.
According to the group, although the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Hon. Najeem Salam, is a respected Muslim, it considers Oyebamiji the most viable Muslim candidate because of what it described as his political structure and statewide reach needed to secure victory.
The stakeholders also condemned the recent wave of political violence and killings in Osun State, describing the development as disturbing and called on politicians across party lines to embrace peace.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the group stressed the sanctity of human life and urged political actors to shun violence, reminding them that political power ultimately belongs to God.
Addressing religious representation in the state, the group accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to meet the expectations of many Muslims despite presenting the governor as a Muslim during the 2022 governorship campaign.
The stakeholders further alleged that Muslims had been politically marginalised under the current administration and expressed opposition to what they described as the continuation of a Christian-Christian governorship ticket.
According to the group, its position was not based on opposition to Christians occupying public office but on what it described as the need for fairness, equity and adequate representation of the Muslim community in the state’s leadership.
The group also raised concerns over the treatment of Muslims at Adeleke University, Ede, and questioned what it described as the level of support provided by members of the Adeleke family to Muslim causes. It urged the electorate to consider issues of equity and religious inclusion as they prepare for the forthcoming governorship election.
Calling on Muslims across Osun State to unite behind Oyebamiji’s candidacy, the stakeholders said they believe the APC candidate offers the best opportunity to achieve what they described as balanced and inclusive leadership.
They also prayed for peace in Osun State and urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
