LEMU Urges Muslims to Turn Numerical Strength into Political Influence Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) recently organised a quarterly Da'wah workshop, themed "Muslims, Politics and Good Governance," where speakers called for active political participation and engagement with candidates. The workshop, held on November 8, 2026, at the Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla Multipurpose Hall in Lagos, featured lectures by renowned Islamic scholars and preachers. The speakers stressed that good governance requires accountability, integrity, justice, and fairness.

The LEMU president, Engr. Ibrahim Kayode Akiode, described the workshop as an opportunity to reflect on nation building, civic responsibilities, and the values required to sustain a just society. He challenged Muslims to examine their conduct, including whether they acted fairly, kept promises, protected entrusted responsibilities, and treated others with dignity. Engr. Akiode emphasized that honesty, competence, compassion, and fairness should guide people's service to others.

Senator Akin Odunsi, chairman of the occasion, urged Muslims to participate actively in politics, arguing that the country needed people of strong moral character to manage its affairs. He shared his experience in active politics, reinforcing his belief in the importance of Muslim participation in governance. Senator Odunsi attributed his conduct in public life to the values instilled in him by his family, education, mosque, and friends.

Hon. Dr AbdulHakeem AbduLateef, also known as Hon. Iyepe, delivered a lecture on "Role of Muslims in Nation Building," urging Muslims to take responsibility for national development by upholding Islamic values and participating actively in governance. He cited Surah Al-Imran, verse 110, reminding the audience that Allah described Muslims as "the best community evolved for mankind." Hon. Iyepe emphasized that personal responsibility was the foundation of societal change.

Imam Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, delivered a lecture titled "2027 General Elections: Voting as a Civic Responsibility," challenging Muslims to move beyond criticising those in power and become part of the process of choosing leaders. He described voting as a civic responsibility and an important means of influencing leadership and promoting good governance. Imam Jamiu emphasized that Muslims had a responsibility to serve as witnesses for Allah on earth.

The workshop aimed to educate Muslims, address contemporary societal and spiritual issues, and guide the community on applying Islamic principles to daily life, governance, health, and development. The programme featured a health talk by Dr Rasheedah Oba, a Consultant Rheumatologist and Physician. Former Lagos State Commissioner and legal scholar, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, was the guest of honour at the workshop.

As the 2027 general elections approach, Muslims are being urged to overcome political apathy, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, and participate in choosing leaders. The speakers emphasized that achieving good governance required a clear destination, the right direction, and determination to follow it. Muslims are being encouraged to use their PVCs and be active in the electoral process as an act of Ibadah.

Key points

• Muslims must move beyond voting and complaints to actively participate in party structures and engage with candidates.
• Good governance requires accountability, integrity, justice, and fairness.
• Muslims have a responsibility to serve as witnesses for Allah on earth and promote good governance.