Get Guardian on GoogleThe governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has assured Muslims in the state of equal opportunities, pledging to run an inclusive administration that would protect the interests of all religious groups if elected governor in 2027.
Adekanmbi gave the assurance on Sunday while addressing members of the Nasrul-Lahi-Faith Society (NASFAT) at the organisation’s Oyo Zone 1 joint Asalatu programme held at Samonda, Ibadan.
He urged residents not to allow politicians or any group to divide the state along religious lines, saying Oyo needed leadership capable of advancing its development rather than exploiting religious differences.
The former commissioner said the interests of residents should take priority over religious affiliations, irrespective of who occupied the state’s highest political office.
Using an experience during a flight to illustrate his point, Adekanmbi said passengers of different religious backgrounds had prayed together for their safety when the aircraft encountered difficulties.
He said the experience reinforced the need for unity, adding that the responsibility of a governor was to serve everyone without discrimination.
He cited the payment of workers’ salaries and the provision of security as examples of responsibilities that should be discharged without regard to religion.
Adekanmbi said he had built relationships across religious groups and assured Muslims that their rights and entitlements would be respected under his administration.
“I am your son, and I am standing before you today. My deputy is a devoted Muslim. I am a native person that was well trained. I know what everyone deserves. I have said it before, and I am repeating it that everything that is due to Muslims would be given to them,” he said.
He also acknowledged the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for giving recognition to Islam and Muslims, promising to sustain and improve on the arrangement if elected.
The APM candidate cautioned against the politicisation of religion, saying political contests should not be allowed to create divisions among residents.
His running mate, Muftau Open-Salawu, said elections should be about the welfare of the people rather than religious affiliations.
He said residents needed a government committed to improving their living standards.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Musbaudeen Babatunde, said NASFAT had supported Makinde since 2019 and appealed to the organisation to extend its support to 2027.
Babatunde also assured the Muslim community that Adekanmbi would not deny them their rights and privileges if elected governor.
