2027: Aare Musulumi endorses Alli, backs Muslim governor for Oyo

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola Akinola, has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, ahead of the 2027 governorship election, while backing calls for a Muslim to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde.

Akinola, who cited an alleged understanding reached between Muslim and Christian leaders ahead of the 2023 governorship election, made his position known on Thursday at a special empowerment programme organised by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo Azeez Onimalu, at his residence in Egbeda, Ibadan.

According to him, religious leaders had supported Makinde’s second-term ambition in 2023 based on an understanding that a popular Muslim candidate acceptable to both Christians and Muslims would receive their backing in the 2027 election, adding that Alli’s emergence as the APC candidate was consistent with the reported agreement.

He described Alli’s candidacy as divinely ordained and claimed that the senator had secured the support of Muslims and Christians across the state, urging residents to rally behind his governorship ambition, while expressing confidence that the alleged agreement among religious leaders would be honoured.

Meanwhile, Akinola commended Onimalu for his contributions to Islam and humanitarian activities, particularly his efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable members of society through empowerment initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Onimalu disclosed that his foundation was targeting at least 10,000 beneficiaries, particularly unemployed graduates and widows, as part of efforts to alleviate the effects of prevailing economic hardship and improve their livelihoods.

He explained that the initiative was designed to promote financial independence among beneficiaries and reduce their reliance on relatives and acquaintances for survival, while also declaring his support for Alli’s governorship ambition ahead of the February 2027 election.

Onimalu also maintained that the alleged understanding between Muslim and Christian leaders in the state remained binding, urging the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian organisations reportedly involved in the arrangement to honour their commitment and support the emergence of a Muslim governor.

He further called on residents to support Alli in the forthcoming election, insisting that respecting the reported agreement would demonstrate the commitment of religious leaders to the understanding allegedly reached ahead of the 2023 governorship poll.