By OLAJIDE IDOWU

A Muslim group under the aegis of Concerned Muslim Stakeholders in Osun has condemned rising political violence and killings ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election in the state.

Addressing a news conference on Saturday in Osogbo, the President of the group, Sheikh Qozeem AbdulRahaman, urged politicians to prioritise peace, stressing that political ambition must not plunge the state into crisis.

“Power belongs to Allah, and He gives it to whom He pleases. We urge you to give peace a chance.

“Our state must not be turned into a theatre of war because of individual ambitions.

“Peaceful coexistence is not just a social necessity; it is a divine mandate,” he said.

AbdulRahaman said the group had endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, for the election.

“As we approach the Aug. 15 governorship election, we have critically examined the leading candidates , Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress.

“After an extensive evaluation of their track records, commitment to religious balance, and political reach, we have unanimously declared our support for Oyebamiji,” he said.

He added that although Salaam is a devout Muslim, his party lacks the political spread across the state, while raising concerns about Adeleke’s religious identity.

AbdulRahaman called on members of the Muslim community and residents of the state to support the APC candidate, describing him as a leader with clear identity and broad political backing.

“We are committed to a future under Oyebamiji — a leader whose identity is clear, whose party is strong, and whose commitment to all citizens of Osun is assured,” he said. (NAN)