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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas in Osun State have warned the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) against inciting religious tensions ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections in the state.
At a press conference held in Osogbo on Wednesday, the group’s president and secretary, Sheikh Qozeem AbdurRahamon and Mallam Abdulganiy Sahid, condemned the ongoing demands by certain CAN and PFN leaders for the next governor of Osun to be a Christian. They described the calls as expressions of greed, religious bias, and an attempt to mislead the people of Osun.
The stakeholders pointed out that all military administrators since the creation of the state on Wednesday, August 27, 1991, have been Christians, and noted that the current government operates under a Christian-Christian leadership structure.
“Today, some CAN and PFN leaders, led by Ayodele Owoofe and Pastor Seun Adeoye, are falsely alleging that Christians are being marginalised in Osun State. That claim is provocative and an insult to the peace-loving people of this state,” they asserted.
They highlighted that Osun has previously had a Christian-Christian leadership from 2003 to 2010, during which the Muslim community did not raise objections. “Osun Muslims have been the most tolerant religious community in Nigeria, and nobody should take that for weakness,” they stated.
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The group questioned the narrative of marginalisation, noting that despite a Muslim-majority population in Osun, no Muslim has served as Head of Service or Chief Judge in 35 years. “What kind of marginalisation are they talking about?” they asked, emphasising that Christians have enjoyed governance and employment privileges for decades while Muslims have endured subjugation.
The stakeholders accused those advocating for a Christian governor of manipulating public sentiment due to the unpopularity of their preferred candidates. “We call on all political parties in Osun and at the national level not to succumb to this divisive and sentimental agitation,” they urged.
They cited examples from other states in the South-West, such as Ekiti and Ondo, where both governors and their deputies are Christians, yet Muslims have not protested. They also noted that in Kwara State, a Muslim-majority region, Christians have held significant positions, showcasing the value placed on harmony and fairness.
The group concluded by stating that Osun Muslims have demonstrated political maturity, patience, and tolerance, but warned against taking this for granted. “In 2026, by the will of Allah Almighty, it is the turn of a competent and capable Muslim to govern Osun State. That is what equity and fairness demand,” they affirmed.
