By Oscar Okhifo
A coalition of Muslim organisations in Osun State has rejected the alleged Christian-Christian governorship ticket associated with the Accord Party ahead of the 2026 governorship election, describing the arrangement as inconsistent with the principles of religious inclusiveness and equitable representation.
The coalition, operating under the umbrella of the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas, also endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO), as its preferred candidate for the 2026 poll.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Osogbo, the coalition’s Secretary-General, Mallam Abdulganiyu Ezra, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations and a comprehensive assessment of the leading governorship contenders.
According to Ezra, the coalition evaluated the aspirants based on their leadership records, commitment to justice, religious inclusiveness and capacity to foster unity across Osun State.
“We have critically examined the leading candidates: Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji of the APC, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP and Hon. Najeem Salam of the ADC.
“After an extensive evaluation of their track records, their commitment to socio-religious balance in the state and their political reach, we unanimously pitch our tent and declare our full support for Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji of the APC,” Ezra said.
He accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to meet the expectations of Muslim supporters after allegedly courting their votes during the 2022 governorship campaign by identifying himself with the Muslim community.
“Adeleke, campaigning three years ago, sought Muslim votes by presenting himself as one of us, even adding Nurudeen to his name. However, his actions have been a mockery of our faith,” he said.
Ezra maintained that the governor’s conduct since assuming office was inconsistent with the image he projected during the electioneering campaign, arguing that religion should not be deployed as a political tool or exploited for electoral gain.
The coalition further argued that another four years of what it described as a Christian-Christian governorship ticket would not reflect the religious diversity of Osun State or promote inclusive governance.
“We declare that it is not politically, economically, educationally or socially wise for us to accept another four years of a Christian-Christian ticket. This is a legitimate concern for equity, and no one can query our right to demand a seat at the table,” Ezra stated.
The development has revived discussions over the role of religion in Nigeria’s electoral politics, particularly following the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2023 general election.
The same-faith ticket generated widespread debate among religious groups and political stakeholders and drew comparisons with the 1993 presidential election, when the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Babagana Kingibe contested on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
During the 2023 debate, veteran journalist and historian Babajide Otitoju remarked that religious considerations “were never any big deal in those days,” reflecting on how Nigeria’s political landscape has evolved over time.
With the issue resurfacing ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election, attention is expected to focus on whether Governor Adeleke will respond to the concerns raised by the Muslim coalition and whether the issue will influence the choice of his running mate or feature prominently in the campaign.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State governor had not publicly reacted to the coalition’s endorsement or the issues it raised.
Political activities ahead of the 2026 governorship election have continued to intensify, with political parties, interest groups and other stakeholders stepping up consultations and public engagements in preparation for what is expected to be a keenly contested race.