The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has made a significant declaration ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that it will not endorse any politician or political party. This announcement was made by Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the League, at a three-day conference in Ibadan. The event, which drew a notable attendance, was convened to discuss pertinent issues affecting the Muslim community in Yorubaland.
The conference, attended by prominent figures including Governor Seyi Makinde and various Islamic scholars, aimed to foster unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland. Sheikh Abdullahi El-Ilory emphasized that as religious leaders, the League's role is to pray for credible leaders rather than engage in political endorsements. He highlighted that their responsibility is to guide the people spiritually, not to participate in political affairs.
Governor Seyi Makinde, addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to unite and eschew the use of religion to foment confusion during the elections. He advised Muslim clerics to promote messages of unity and peaceful coexistence. The President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the focus of clerics should be on guiding the people and preaching Islamic principles rather than dabbling in politics.
The Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat, and other notable attendees, including Alfa Agba of Ibadanland and the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, supported the stance taken by the League. They underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland, especially in the lead-up to the general elections.
Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola explained that the conference was organized to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims before, during, and after the elections. The event saw participation from various Islamic scholars and leaders from across Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, and Ondo states. This gathering highlighted the League's commitment to promoting spiritual guidance and unity within the Muslim community.
The League's decision not to endorse any politician or party reflects its resolve to maintain its spiritual mandate. Sheikh Abdullahi El-Ilory reiterated that the League can only pray for credible leaders, emphasizing their role as spiritual guides rather than political actors. This stance aligns with the broader objective of ensuring that religious institutions remain focused on their core spiritual responsibilities.
The conference concluded with a call for unity and a reaffirmation of the League's commitment to its spiritual mandate. Key attendees, including Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland and Professor Kamil Olosho, supported the League's stance, emphasizing the need for Muslims to prioritize spiritual guidance and unity in the face of political activities.
Key points
- The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland will not endorse any politician or political party for the 2027 general elections.
