An Islamic group, Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas in Osun State, has claimed that Governor Ademola Adeleke is not representing the interest of Muslims in his bid to secure second term in office.

The organisation also alleged marginalisation of Muslims under Adeleke’s administration, arguing that the governor has been maintaining a Christian-Christian governorship ticket all along.

It therefore endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The endorsement was announced by the group while addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Saturday.

According to a statement jointly signed by the group’s President, Sheikh Qozeem AbdulRahaman and Secretary-General, Mallam Abdulganiy Sahid Olaide Ezra,
its decision followed what it described as an extensive assessment of the leading candidates, their track records, commitment to socio-religious balance and political viability.

The group noted that although the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salam, is a respected Muslim, it considers Oyebamiji the most viable Muslim candidate because of what it described as his political structure and statewide reach needed to secure victory.

Further addressing religious representation in the state, the group insisted that Muslims had been politically marginalised under the current administration and expressed opposition to what they described as the continuation of a Christian-Christian governorship ticket.

According to the group, its position was not based on opposition to Christians occupying public office but on what it described as the need for fairness, equity and adequate representation of the Muslim community in the state’s leadership.

The group also raised concerns over the treatment of Muslims at Adeleke University, Ede, and questioned what it described as the level of support provided by members of the Adeleke family to Muslim causes. It urged the electorate to consider issues of equity and religious inclusion as they prepare for the forthcoming governorship election.

Calling on Muslims across Osun to unite behind Oyebamiji’s candidacy, the stakeholders said they believe the APC candidate offers the best opportunity to achieve what they described as balanced and inclusive leadership.

The group also condemned the recent wave of political violence and killings in the state, describing the development as disturbing and called on politicians across party lines to embrace peace.

Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the group stressed the sanctity of human life and urged political actors to shun violence, reminding them that political power ultimately belongs to God.

They also prayed for peace in Osun State and urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully ahead of the poll.