Against the backdrop of August 15 gubernatorial poll in Osun, a group identified as Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and League of Alfas in the state, on Tuesday backed the aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.

It also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of a credible, fair and acceptable polls in the interest of peace and justice.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the state capital, the president of the group, Sheik Qozeem Abdulrahaman, noted that next month election is beyond electing another governor, but also about justice, equity, fairness, and the future of Muslims in Osun State.

While alleging marginalization of the Muslim community by the incumbent administration, Abdulrahaman noted appointments by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration were allegedly skewed in favour of Christians.

According to him, one of the major achievements frequently cited by the governor was the construction of a mosque within the Government House, which remains incomplete, while the project on new Hajj camp had been stalled.

He stated: “Beyond infrastructure, representation matters in every democratic government. While appointments are naturally at the discretion of the Governor, many Muslims have expressed concern about what they perceive as an imbalance in key political and administrative positions.”

“However, fairness also requires us to speak honestly when members of our own community believe their aspirations and expectations have not been adequately reflected.

“Today, Allah has presented Muslims in Osun State with a historic opportunity.For the first time in many years, a respected Muslim son of Osun, Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO), is seeking the mandate of the people to serve as governor.

“We are not asking Muslims to support him merely because he is a Muslim. Rather, we urge every voter to consider his character, competence, experience, leadership qualities and vision for Osun State. His faith is one important consideration among many, particularly for those who believe that the Muslim community deserves fair representation in leadership, “Abdulrahaman remarked.

He, however, urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in protecting the life and properties of the citizens before, during and after the election.

“We also call on INEC, security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure that the election is peaceful, credible, transparent and reflects the genuine will of the people, ” Abdulrahaman posited.