The Muslim Advocacy Group in Ogun State has called for the governorship position in the state to be zoned to a Muslim candidate in the 2027 elections, citing a “persistent imbalance” in the state’s political leadership since its creation.
The group noted that, of the five democratically elected governors since Ogun State was established in 1976, only one has been a Muslim. In a statement released Friday and signed by Abdul Semi’u Adebesin, the group stressed that this imbalance must end to promote equity, fairness, and consistency in governance.
According to the statement, the state has many competent Muslim leaders capable of delivering inclusive and effective governance. The group clarified that their call is neither a plea for tokenism nor an appeal for religion to override competence. Instead, it is grounded in the principle of “equity with competence.”
The statement reads in part: “As Ogun State approaches another critical electoral cycle, the question of fairness, inclusion, and equitable representation has resurfaced in public discourse. The Muslim community, which forms a significant and indispensable part of the state’s socio-political fabric, can no longer remain silent on an issue that directly touches on justice, balance, and democratic integrity.
“Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, only one of the five democratically elected governors has been a Muslim. Therefore, it is the turn of a Muslim to assume the governorship in 2027. Ogun State is home to numerous highly qualified, competent, and visionary Muslim leaders across sectors including public administration, academia, business, and governance.”
The group urged political parties and opinion leaders to rise above bias and prioritize historical fairness in their candidate selection for 2027, warning that ignoring this “legitimate call” could undermine the state’s unity and social cohesion.
