Oyo State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, has vowed that his administration will resist any attempt to weaponize religion ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that citizens share a common ancestry and must remain united regardless of faith.
Makinde made the declaration on Saturday, November 14, 2026, during the afternoon opening session of a three-day conference and the 62nd Anniversary of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The event, which runs through Monday, November 16, 2026, carries the theme: “The Responsibilities of Politicians and Electorate During and After Electoral Process”.
Addressing Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders from across the South-West, the governor drew on his own family lineage to illustrate the deep-rooted religious harmony in Oyo State and Yorubaland.
He reminded the gathering that his paternal grandfather, Makinde, lived and died as a devout Muslim, noting that anyone familiar with Oyo history is well aware of this background.
According to the governor, if he were to convene an extended family meeting that evening, roughly 65 per cent of those in attendance would be Muslims, making it impossible for religion to ever divide the people of Oyo.
He cautioned religious leaders and the electorate against allowing desperate politicians to exploit religious sentiments to sow confusion during the 2027 electioneering period.
Urging voters to prioritise competence over religious affiliation, Makinde emphasized that Nigerians are created by the same God and must remain united throughout the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, the leadership reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence while declaring strict political neutrality ahead of the 2027 polls.
The spokesperson made it clear that the Islamic body cannot declare or announce support for any politician or political party, noting that its role is strictly to pray to God for credible leaders while charging politicians to fulfill their campaign promises.
Earlier in his remarks, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, explained that the three-day gathering was specifically convened to foster unity, dialogue, and cooperation among Muslims and citizens across the region before, during, and after the 2027 elections.
Setting the intellectual tone for the opening ceremony, two academic scholars, Prof. Amidu Sanni and Prof. Adam Surajudeen, delivered keynote lectures examining the ethical duties of leaders and voters in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
The high-profile gathering in Ibadan attracted prominent Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, and governorship contenders across party lines.
Among the top religious leaders in attendance were the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar Agbotomokekere;
The Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji; the Secretary-General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat; the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Hashim Atere; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola; and the Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe.
Royal fathers at the forum included the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, and the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, while political dignitaries present featured the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, alongside his running mate, Mufutau Open Salawu, as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.
