A coalition of Muslim organisations under the aegis of the Southwest Muslims for Good Governance (SMUGG) has called for equitable religious representation in political leadership across South-West Nigeria, with a particular focus on Ogun State.

The group urged political parties to consider fielding a Muslim candidate in the 2027 governorship election.

The demand was made during a joint press conference attended by key Muslim bodies, including the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Coalition of Muslim Vanguards and Stakeholders in Ogun State, the Coalition of Muslim Women Organisations, the Islamic Training Organisation of Nigeria (ITOON), and the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), among others.

The conference, held at the Crescent Professional Complex in Abeokuta, brought together stakeholders who emphasised the need for inclusive governance and equitable representation in leadership positions. It was the third in a series of press briefings held across different parts of Ogun State within the past week to reinforce what the coalition described as a unanimous demand for a Muslim governor.

Addressing journalists, the Co-Convener of SMUGG, Alhaji Kehinde Lawal, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, stated that the advocacy was rooted in equity, justice and democratic balance, rather than religious dominance.

He noted that Nigeria’s democratic system thrives on inclusivity and fairness, warning that the sustained exclusion of any group from leadership positions could deepen dissatisfaction and undermine national unity.

According to him, Muslims constitute a significant proportion of the population in South-West Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State, yet their demographic strength has not been adequately reflected in the state’s highest political office.

“Today, we gather not in anger or division, but in conviction, firmly rooted in the principles of equity and democratic balance,” Lawal said, adding that diversity, when properly harnessed, strengthens democratic institutions.

He maintained that the call for a Muslim governor in Ogun State in 2027 is a principled appeal for fairness, stressing that democracy must provide every group with a legitimate pathway to leadership.

The coalition further argued that inclusive governance fosters stability, promotes peace and drives development, while political exclusion breeds alienation and weakens national cohesion.

Lawal observed that despite Ogun State’s reputation as a progressive and culturally diverse state, its leadership structure does not adequately reflect its religious composition.

He listed key state officials, including Governor Dapo Abiodun; the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide; the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; and the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, noting that they are all Christians.

He added that qualified Muslim professionals and leaders have contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the state, describing their continued exclusion from the governorship as a matter of concern.

Providing historical context, the coalition noted that since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, only one Muslim has served as a civilian governor for about eight years, compared to approximately 26 years of Christian leadership.

“This imbalance understandably fuels the present call for equity and fair representation,” he said.

The coalition therefore called on political stakeholders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and citizens to support the push for inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 elections.

It also urged political parties in the South-West to ensure fairness in their candidate selection processes, noting that balanced representation would strengthen democracy and promote unity.

In his remarks, Ameer Shereef Mayaleeke, representing the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, reiterated the coalition’s position, declaring that “enough is enough” regarding what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in key public offices.

Earlier, the General Secretary of SMUGG, Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, in his welcome address, emphasised that the advocacy was anchored on fairness and inclusivity.

He stated that the call for a Muslim governor in 2027 is not about dominance, but about equity.

“The call for a Muslim governor in 2027 is not about dominance, but about equity. It is a principled appeal for a system where leadership reflects the diversity of the people, while remaining grounded in competence, integrity and vision,” he said.

Alao further urged political parties to present credible Muslim candidates, while calling on religious and community leaders to promote justice and mutual understanding.

He also encouraged civil society organisations and the electorate to support inclusive governance devoid of bias and discrimination.