Oyo 2027: Aare Musulumi Backs Muslim Guber Ticket, Endorses APC’s Sharafadeen Alli
The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola Akinola, has backed calls for a Muslim to emerge as Oyo State governor in 2027, endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
Akinola said the governorship ticket should go to a popular Muslim candidate in line with an understanding reached between Muslim and Christian leaders in the state ahead of the 2023 governorship election.
He made the 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 the Aare Musulumi, the agreement reportedly involved religious leaders supporting Governor Seyi Makinde’s second-term bid in 2023 in exchange for an understanding that a popular Muslim candidate acceptable to both faiths would be supported for the governorship in 2027.
He described Alli’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate as divinely ordained, insisting that the senator had received the endorsement of Muslims and Christians in the state.
Akinola urged residents to support Alli, expressing confidence that the understanding reached by the religious leaders would be respected.
He also commended Onimalu for his contributions to the growth of Islam and his philanthropic activities, saying his humanitarian efforts would not go unnoticed.
In his welcome address, Onimalu said his foundation planned to empower at least 10,000 people, particularly unemployed graduates and widows, to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at helping beneficiaries become financially independent and reducing their dependence on relatives and acquaintances for survival.
The Asiwaju Musulumi also declared support for Alli’s governorship ambition, describing his victory in the 2027 election as assured.
He maintained that the reported understanding between Christian and Muslim leaders in Oyo State was binding, urging the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian organisations said to have participated in the agreement to honour their commitment.
Onimalu consequently called on residents to rally behind Alli and vote for him in the February 2027 governorship election.
