An All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Shittu Ibraheem Aremu, has made a statement urging Muslims in the state to support Muslim candidates in the 2027 elections. He specifically called on Muslims to support Muslim candidates presented by the APC and reject any political party that fields a Christian candidate for governor. This statement was made in a video circulating on social media.
Shittu, who represents Saki West State Constituency, expressed concerns that Christians in government had allegedly disadvantaged Muslims. He urged Muslim voters not to support political parties that present Christian governorship candidates, stating that if such a person is voted in, Islam would suffer. His comments have generated reactions on social media, particularly at a time when political parties and aspirants are beginning to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The lawmaker's statement comes amid an emerging debate over who should succeed Governor Seyi Makinde when he completes his second term in 2027. Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and a Christian, has previously said that religion should not determine his successor. He emphasized that competence and loyalty to Oyo State should be the major considerations in choosing the next governor.
Governor Makinde has acknowledged the calls for a Muslim successor but urged residents to focus on a candidate who would sustain the state's development. Speaking to intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj, Makinde stressed that religion had not been a major source of division in the state. He noted that Oyo State has always had a history of peaceful coexistence among different religions.
Some Muslim groups in the state have intensified calls for a Muslim to take over from Makinde in 2027. The Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars called on Makinde to support a competent Muslim candidate, arguing that Muslims had played an important role in his electoral victories. The Islamic Coordination Council of Oyo State has also backed the idea of a Muslim successor.
Oyo's political history since the return to democracy in 1999 has seen governors from both major religious backgrounds. Former governors Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, and Abiola Ajimobi were Muslims, while Adebayo Alao-Akala and Makinde are Christians. Shittu's comments have brought the question of religion in Oyo politics back into public discussion.
The debate over whether the next governor should be selected based on religious identity or other considerations has gained momentum. Shittu's statement has sparked reactions on social media, with many discussing the implications of his call for Muslims to reject parties with Christian guber candidates. The lawmaker is currently serving his constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly as the member representing Saki West State Constituency under the APC.
Key points
- Oyo APC lawmaker Shittu Ibraheem Aremu urges Muslims to support Muslim candidates in 2027 elections.
- Governor Seyi Makinde says competence and loyalty should be major considerations in choosing his successor.
- Some Muslim groups in Oyo State intensify calls for a Muslim successor to Makinde.
