THE Islamic Coordination Council (ICC) has asserted that it is the turn of Muslims to produce the next governor of Oyo State in the 2027 gubernatorial election, rejecting recent comments attributed to the state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaj Sulaiman Abanise, and secretary, Imam Mas’ud Akintola, the council said the position reflects an established, though unwritten, convention of religious balancing in the state’s governorship.

The ICC stated that this understanding was reinforced during the 2019 political transition, citing a public declaration by a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, who had said it was the turn of Christians to lead after the tenure of former governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Responding to remarks reportedly made by Governor Makinde at the farewell programme for 2026 Hajj pilgrims, the ICC dismissed comparisons between executive and legislative representation in the state, arguing that the governor’s reference to past Muslim senators was “misleading” and failed to recognise the distinct influence of the governorship.

“We are aware that the governor is sufficiently educated to understand the difference between executive and legislative roles,” the statement read, adding that the council viewed the remarks as “mischievous” and “an insult to the intelligence of the citizenry.”

The council noted that, out of 18 occupants of the Agodi Government House since 1976, only six have been Muslims, describing this as justification for a Muslim successor after Governor Makinde’s eight-year tenure.

Questioning the consistency of the governor’s position, the ICC also referenced his 2021 decision to appoint a Muslim deputy governor following the impeachment of his former deputy, arguing that merit had not been applied independently of religious considerations.

The statement added that CAN had played a role in engaging Muslim leadership during Governor Makinde’s re-election bid.

The ICC warned that any attempt to “sacrifice religion under whatever guise” in the 2027 succession could have political consequences, including what it described as a potential “electoral walkover” for opposition parties. (Tribune NEWS)