A lawmaker in Oyo State, Ibrahim Shittu, has called on Muslims in the state to reject Christian candidates in the 2027 governorship election. Shittu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the statement in a video circulating on social media. He urged Muslim voters to support Muslim candidates, specifically those presented by the APC, and not to vote for any party that fields a Christian candidate for governor.
Shittu's comments have generated significant reactions across social media, as preparations for the 2027 election continue. He stated that if a Christian candidate is voted in, "Islam would suffer." The lawmaker also claimed that Christians in government have punished Muslims because of their faith. These statements have sparked a heated debate about the role of religion in the upcoming election.
The current governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, a Christian and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has maintained that competence, loyalty to the state, and continuity in governance should guide the choice of his successor. Makinde has repeatedly stated that religion should not determine who succeeds him in 2027. In February, he emphasized that his successor would be selected based on competence and loyalty to the state, rather than loyalty to him personally.
Governor Makinde has also addressed the growing demand for a Muslim to succeed him. He highlighted Oyo State's history of peaceful relations between people of different faiths and stressed that religion is not an issue in the state. Makinde urged intending pilgrims to pray for a successor who would sustain the state's achievements and good works. He emphasized that his administration has ensured equal treatment for Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers in government appointments.
Shittu's position, however, has placed the religious question at the center of the emerging political contest. Some Muslim groups have called for a Muslim to take over from Makinde after his two terms. In May, the Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars urged Makinde to support a competent Muslim candidate, citing the important role Muslims have played in Makinde's electoral victories.
Oyo State has had governors from both major religious backgrounds since the return to democratic rule in 1999. The state's political history has included changes in religious identity among those occupying the governorship position. This has led to a debate about whether a Muslim or Christian should succeed Makinde. The Islamic Coordination Council of Oyo State has also argued that it is the turn of a Muslim to occupy the Agodi Government House in 2027.
This is not the first time Shittu has attracted attention for his public statements. In January 2026, the Oyo State House of Assembly rejected an apology tendered by Shittu following allegations he made against the leadership of the legislature. The Assembly's Ethics and Privileges Committee had reviewed the matter, and the House described the apology as inadequate.
Key points
- Oyo APC lawmaker Ibrahim Shittu urges Muslims to reject Christian governorship candidates in 2027 election.
- Governor Seyi Makinde emphasizes that competence, not religion, should guide the choice of his successor.
- The debate highlights Oyo State's history of peaceful relations between people of different faiths and the role of religion in politics.
