Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who is also a presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement in 2027, urged Nigerians on Saturday to transcend religious differences. Speaking at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, held at Jogor Centre, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, he emphasised that religion should not divide the state.
As the general election approaches, Makinde called on people of all faiths to foster unity and peaceful coexistence. He shared insights from his family’s religious background, revealing that his grandfather was a Muslim and that about 65 per cent of his extended family are Muslims. “We cannot be divided by religion,” he said. “We are created by the same God. Let’s preach unity among us and not allow religion to divide us.”
Leaders from the league reiterated that their organisation is not a political platform and will not endorse any party or candidate ahead of the elections. Muhammad Abdullahi El-Ilory, the Chairman of the league’s Board of Trustees, emphasised that their role is to pray for credible leaders rather than support specific politicians.
Jamiu Kewulere, the league’s President, added that Islamic clerics should focus on guiding their followers and sharing Islamic teachings, rather than engaging in politics.
Dignitaries at the event included Makinde, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate; Hazeem Gbolarumi, the PDP governorship candidate; and various notable Islamic leaders and traditional rulers from across the region. The gathering attracted clerics, political leaders, and stakeholders from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, and Ondo states to discuss issues affecting the Muslim community and society as a whole.
