Coalition Advocates for Inclusive Governance in Ogun State
Under the banner of South West Muslims for Good Governance, a coalition of Islamic organizations is urging for increased religious diversity in political leadership throughout South West Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on Ogun State. The coalition is advocating for political parties to nominate candidates from various religious backgrounds, including Muslims, for the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election.
This call to action was made during a joint press conference at the Crescent University Professional Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as reported by The Punch on Monday. The coalition includes prominent groups such as the Muslim Rights Concern, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, the Supreme Sharia Council of Nigeria, and the Ogun State Federation of Muslim Vanguards and Stakeholders.
The attending members underscored the importance of inclusive governance and balanced representation in leadership roles. This recent meeting marks the third in a series of discussions held across the state aimed at raising awareness about representation issues within the political landscape.
Kehinde Lawal, a co-convener of SMUGG, emphasized that this initiative is rooted in fairness, justice, and democratic balance, rather than religious superiority. He noted that Nigeria’s democracy has flourished through inclusivity, warning that the ongoing exclusion of any particular group could foster dissatisfaction and undermine national unity.
Despite Muslims constituting a significant demographic in southwestern Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State, their presence in high-ranking political offices remains disproportionately low. Lawal pointed out that while Ogun is recognized for its cultural and religious diversity, the current political leadership does not effectively represent this aspect, as key positions tend to be filled by individuals of similar religious backgrounds.
The coalition’s call for a Muslim governor in 2027 aims to promote equity and ensure that all segments of the population have opportunities in governance. Lawal revealed that only one Muslim has served as a civilian governor since Ogun State’s inception in 1976, contrasting sharply with the predominance of Christian leadership over the years.
Political actors, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and voters are being urged to back initiatives promoting inclusive governance as the 2027 elections approach. Lawal highlighted that balanced representation can fortify democratic institutions and foster unity, advocating for transparency and fairness in candidate selection within political parties in the region.
Shereef Mayarik, head of Nigeria’s Sharia Supreme Council in Ogun State, reiterated the coalition’s stance on enhancing Muslim representation in leadership. Tajudeen Alao, SMUGG’s Secretary-General, also stressed that their advocacy is grounded in equity and inclusiveness, stating that the push for a Muslim governor is about representation rather than dominance. He called on political parties to prioritize credible candidates from diverse backgrounds and urged community and religious leaders to foster mutual understanding and fairness in the political process.
