A renowned Islamic cleric in Ibadan, Sheikh Lateef Akande, has declared his support for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship ticket of Bimbo Adekanmbi and Muftau Open Salawu, insisting that competence, character and visionary leadership should take precedence over religious affiliation in determining who governs Oyo State.
Akande, who described himself as a practising Muslim committed to the teachings and values of Islam, made the declaration on Friday, November 7, while reacting to a statement attributed to the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, endorsing the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and urging Muslims to support him on account of his faith.
The cleric expressed concern over attempts to introduce religious considerations into the state’s political contest, warning that such a development could undermine the longstanding religious harmony among residents of Oyo State.
He argued that the choice of the next governor should be determined by competence, credibility, capacity, character and the ability to deliver meaningful development, rather than religious sentiments.
Citing political developments in the United States, Akande referenced the emergence of Abdul El-Sayed as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate from Michigan, noting that his victory demonstrated that political support could transcend religious boundaries.
He also recalled the recent Osun governorship election, where, according to him, religious considerations were deployed against Governor Ademola Adeleke, yet the governor secured victory with support from both Muslims and Christians.
The cleric equally cited Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York mayoral election as another example of how candidates could attract support across religious divides, stressing that political leadership should be about ideas, competence and the ability to serve the people.
Akande maintained that political power ultimately comes from Allah, regardless of the influence of religious leaders, financial inducements or campaigns against political opponents.
He therefore called on Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdul-Rasheed Abdul-Azeez, the Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Hashim Atere, and other Muslim stakeholders to speak more openly about Islam’s teachings on tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, religious leaders should promote understanding and mutual respect rather than allow religion to become an instrument of political division and manipulation.
He urged the people of Oyo State to reject religious bigotry and embrace issue-based politics, describing the Adekanmbi/Salawu ticket as one that represents inclusivity, innovation and a commitment to development irrespective of religious or ethnic background.
Akande added that Oyo State had enjoyed a longstanding tradition of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, warning that politicians should not be allowed to jeopardise the state’s unity through divisive religious campaigns.
