2027: Muslims should produce next Oyo governor – ICC
The Islamic Coordination Council (ICC) has called for the next governor of Oyo State to be a Muslim in the upcoming 2027 governorship election. This statement comes in response to recent comments made by Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a release signed by ICC Chairman Sulaiman Abanise and Secretary Mas’ud Akintola, the council underscored that its position is grounded in what it describes as an established, albeit unofficial, tradition of balancing religious representation in the state’s political leadership. The ICC noted that this practice became particularly pronounced during the 2019 political transition, when a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo stated that it was the turn of Christians to lead following the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The ICC’s remarks were prompted by comments attributed to Governor Makinde at a farewell event for 2026 Hajj pilgrims. In these remarks, the governor drew comparisons between executive and legislative representation, specifically referencing previous Muslim senators. The council contended that such comparisons ignore the distinct influence and authority of the governor’s position.
The ICC emphasized that the governor should understand the differences between executive and legislative roles. “We are aware that the governor is sufficiently educated to understand the difference between executive and legislative roles,” the statement read. The council further characterized the governor’s comments as “misleading” and an “insult to the intelligence of the citizenry.”
The ICC pointed out that only six of the 18 individuals to have held the office since 1976 were Muslims, which the council believes supports the case for a Muslim governor following Makinde’s tenure. Additionally, they questioned the integrity of the governor’s stance, referencing his 2021 decision to appoint a Muslim deputy governor after the impeachment of his former deputy, suggesting prior religious considerations influenced political appointments.
The statement also alleged that during Governor Makinde’s re-election campaign, CAN was involved in discussions with Muslim leaders.
The ICC cautioned that disregarding religious balance in the 2027 succession process could lead to political repercussions, potentially bolstering opposition parties in the upcoming election.
