In a recent address, the Governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, asserted that his administration will not permit religious differences to fracture the unity of the state’s citizens. Speaking at the launch of a three-day conference in Ibadan, Makinde highlighted the shared ancestry of the people, calling for solidarity regardless of their faith.
The event, titled ‘Rabitah 2026,’ was organized by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland and brought together a range of stakeholders, including religious leaders, political office holders, and traditional rulers, to discuss the theme: ‘The Responsibilities of Politicians and Electorate During and After Electoral Process.’
Amid increasing discussions about the selection of Oyo State’s next governor, Makinde urged both political and religious figures to avoid creating divisions based on religious affiliations. He called for collective prayers and efforts to maintain harmony as the elections approach, emphasizing, ‘What matters most is that we must stay united.’
Makinde also illustrated the historical coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Oyo State, sharing insights from his own family’s diverse religious background. He expressed the belief that Oyo State’s progress is paramount and underscored the importance of unity, stating, ‘Religion is not an issue for us.’
To support the conference’s objectives, Makinde pledged a donation of N50 million, describing the gathering as a significant opportunity for religious engagement and collective prayers for Nigeria. He encouraged clerics to play an active, constructive role in the electoral processes, advocating for voter engagement prior to the elections.
During the conference, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, Chairman of the League’s Board of Trustees, reiterated that the organization would not endorse any political candidate or party, emphasizing that their role is to pray for credible leadership rather than engage in political campaigning.
The conference attracted numerous dignitaries, including other governorship candidates from different political parties and respected Islamic leaders from across the South-west region, highlighting the event’s broad relevance and importance.
