The Islamic Coordination Council, or ICC, has announced that Muslims should produce the next governor of Oyo State in the 2027 governorship election, contradicting recent sentiments ascribed to Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Sulaiman Abanise, and secretary, Mas’ud Akintola, the council stated that its position was based on an established, albeit unofficial, history of balancing religious representation in state leadership.
According to the group, the arrangement became more apparent during the 2019 political transition when a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state publicly claimed that it was Christians’ turn to govern following the administration of former governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The ICC was responding to comments reportedly made by Governor Makinde during a farewell event for 2026 Hajj pilgrims.
The council condemned the governor’s comparison of executive and legislative representation in the state, particularly his reference to prior Muslim senators, claiming that such parallels ignore the governor’s unique influence and powers.
“We are aware that the governor is sufficiently educated to understand the difference between executive and legislative roles,” the statement said.
The group went on to criticise the remarks as “misleading,” calling them “an insult to the intelligence of the citizenry.”
The council noted that just six of the 18 people who have occupied the Agodi Government House since 1976 were Muslims, arguing that this justified the appointment of a Muslim governor following Makinde’s tenure.
The ICC also questioned the governor’s position, citing his decision in 2021 to install a Muslim deputy governor following the impeachment of his former deputy.
According to the council, the development indicated that religious concerns have previously influenced political appointments within the state.
The statement further claimed that CAN engaged in consultations with Muslim leaders during Governor Makinde’s re-election campaign.
The group warned that ignoring religious balancing in the 2027 succession process could have political ramifications, such as bolstering opposition parties during the election.