Muslim group declares support for Oyebamiji ahead of Osun governorship poll

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A religious group in Osun State, the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders, has declared its support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15 governorship election, describing him as the most viable Muslim candidate in the race.

Reading the group’s position, its President, Sheikh Qozeem AbdulRahaman, said the endorsement followed what he described as an extensive assessment of the leading governorship candidates based on their track records, commitment to socio-religious balance and political reach across the state.

While acknowledging that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Hon. Najeem Salam, is “a brother and a Muslim of repute,” the group maintained that Oyebamiji possesses a stronger political structure and greater electoral viability to secure victory.

“As we approach the August 15, 2026, governorship election, we have critically examined the leading candidates: Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji of the APC, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke (the incumbent), and Hon. Najeem Salam of the ADC.

“While we acknowledge that Hon. Najeem Salam is a brother and a Muslim of repute, it is clear that, in terms of political party structure and the capacity to reach every nook and cranny of the state to secure victory, Asiwaju Oyebamiji is the most viable Muslim candidate. We have nothing against Hon. Najeem Salam, but we must be strategic in our pursuit of fair representation,” AbdulRahaman said.

The group also expressed what it described as the “painful reality” regarding the incumbent governor, stating that “the present governor, while 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.”

The stakeholders described the governor’s actions as hypocrisy and called on members of the Muslim Ummah and residents of Osun who “value truth and equity” to support Oyebamiji’s candidacy in the forthcoming governorship election.

The group also condemned the recent wave of political violence and killings in the state, urging politicians across party lines to embrace peace and shun acts capable of destabilising Osun.