An Islamic group, Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas, has faulted the demand for a Christian governor in the August 08, gubernatorial election by the youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Osun State chapter.
The group described the demand as dead on arrival, saying the demand is illegitimate and deceitful.
Addressing newsmen in Osogbo on Wednesday on behalf of the group, the President, Sheikh Qozeem AbdurRahamon, said the call by Osun CAN youth wing was divisive, which must be discarded by the people of the State.
AbdurRahamon, said Christians have occupied key positions in the state more than Muslims, adding that Muslims have been tolerant.
While describing the call as greedy and a religious bias, he said Muslims in the state have, in recent times, shown maturity and understanding when circumstances threw up Christian-Christian tickets in the state.
“For record purposes, let it be known that Osun has had a Christian-Christian ticket before. The Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Chief of Staff, and the Head of Service were all Christians. This is not too far, just from 2003 to 2010.
“Yet, the Muslim community did not raise an alarm. Osun Muslims have been the most tolerant religious community in Nigeria, and nobody should take that for weakness.
“Even the current administration in Osun is more or less a Christian-Christian arrangement. The Governor himself, who once bore a Muslim name, no longer identifies with that name in his recent party certificate. The Deputy Governor is a known Christian, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly is a Christian, and the Head of Service is a Christian. Yet, our Muslims have kept quiet in the spirit of peace and fairness”.
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He added that “Yet, today, some CAN and PFN leaders, are shamelessly alleging that Christians are being marginalised in Osun State. That claim is false, provocative, and an insult to the peace-loving people of this State.
“Is it not ironic that in a State with over 70 percent Muslim population, no Muslim has ever served as Head of Service or Chief Judge in 35 years? And yet we are told that Christians are being marginalised? What kind of marginalisation are they talking about?
“Our Christian brothers have enjoyed the privileges of governance and employment for decades, while Muslims endured subjugation with patience and goodwill. To now demand a Christian Governor in 2026 is not only unjust but also a deliberate act to manipulate public sentiment.”
AbdurRahamon said a competent Muslim should become the governor of the state in 2026, adding that any attempt to do otherwise would attract strong political mobilisation across Osun State.
“Osun Muslims have shown political maturity, patience, and tolerance beyond measure. But let no one take 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.
“Any attempt to do otherwise to deny Muslims their fair turn will attract strong political mobilisation across Osun State against such injustice from any party that dares the political resolve of peace-loving people of Osun State,” he added.
