As the quiet political drums of 2027 gradually grow louder across Ogun State, strategies are already being drawn in private meetings, alliances are quietly forming, and powerful interests are testing the waters ahead of the next governorship race.
An Islamic human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Ogun State Chapter *has warned political parties against what it calls a “historic political miscalculation”* ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
But in the midst of these unfolding calculations, a strong warning has emerged which sounded a note of caution to political parties and power brokers, describing the idea of presenting a Christian–Christian governorship ticket in the state as a grave political mistake that could shake the foundations of any party that attempts it.
*The warning was contained in a statement issued by the State Chairman of MURIC, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao and made public by the State Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare.*
*It reads;*
Preparations for who becomes the next governor of Ogun State have quietly begun. Major political parties are already engaging in internal consultations, while interest groups and political blocs are emerging to rally support for preferred candidates.
*However, MURIC revealed that its attention had been drawn to discussions within a prominent political party allegedly considering the emergence of a Christian governor paired with a Christian deputy governor.*
For MURIC, the development did not come as a surprise.
Rather, it reflects what call be described as a long-standing pattern of political marginalisation of Muslims in the state.
We in MURIC are not surprised by this development as
Muslims in Ogun State have often been treated as second-class participants in the political structure of the state.
MURIC warns that such a political arrangement would send a dangerous message, one that suggests Muslims do not exist within the political equation of Ogun State.
*If such thinking persists, the next logical step would be to formally declare the state a Christian state, similar to what they claim has happened in other parts of Nigeria.*
Some political actors appear to believe that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could emerge through a Muslim–Muslim ticket at the national level, then a Christian–Christian arrangement might also succeed in Ogun State due to the demographic balance.
*But MURIC insists that such calculations, misunderstand the political DNA of Ogun.*
Ogun State is bigger than their assumptions, because Ogun State has a unique political landscape, a place where national political ambitions are often launched and where only those who understand its delicate social and religious balance can navigate successfully.
Ogun state is filled with intellectuals, seasoned political observers and a politically conscious population capable of determining what is fair and what is not.
*For this reason, we hereby declare the proposed Christian–Christian ticket “dead on arrival.”*
Any political party that attempts such an arrangement will not only fail electorally, but it may also suffer long-term political collapse in Ogun State.
18 out of the 20 local government chairmen in Ogun State are Christians, leaving only two identified as Muslims. This further reinforces the perception of political exclusion and we questioned the visibility of the two Muslim chairmen within Islamic community activities, suggesting that their connection to the broader Muslim community remains uncertain.
These developments may have emboldened some political actors to believe that Muslims can be politically sidelined without consequences.
*MURIC urges political strategists, advisers and party analysts across the state to carefully evaluate the broader implications of their political calculations.*
We insist that our intervention is not merely about defending Muslim interests but about protecting fairness and justice in the political system.
*MURIC is not speaking for Muslims alone, we are speaking for humanity, because injustice to one is injustice to all.*
*We also use this opportunity to address Muslim leaders and clerics, reminding them of our earlier warning against trading Islamic interests for political favors, financial inducements, or temporary personal gains, a situation we previously described as “pregnant promises."*
History will remember the roles played by individuals in shaping the political destiny of Ogun State and the treatment of Muslims within it.
*Positions will not last forever, but the lessons our children will learn about what happened in this era will remain for generations.*
As we round off, we urge all registered political parties in Ogun State to prioritize fairness, justice and wisdom in selecting their candidates for the 2027 election.
*Equity demands balance, especially considering that the current governor of the state is a Christian.*
*Fairness suggests that the next governor should come from the Muslim bloc.*
In an effort to prevent misunderstanding, we emphasize that our position should not be interpreted as hostility toward Christians or Christianity.
Instead, it appeals to shared moral values as rooted in the Bible,
*“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”*
(Proverbs 3:27 NIV)
*“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”*
*(Luke 6:31 NIV )*
Finally, these principles reflect the universal call for justice, fairness, and mutual respect in society.
*Signed*
*Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, AAN, AMC,*
*Chairman, MURIC Ogun State Chapter*
*Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare*
*Secretary, MURIC, Ogun State Chapter.*
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