The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola Akinola, has insisted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s successor in 2027 should be a Muslim, throwing his weight behind the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

Akinola said the governorship ticket should go to a popular Muslim candidate, citing an alleged understanding reached between Muslim and Christian leaders in Oyo State ahead of the 2023 governorship election.

He stated this on Thursday at a special empowerment programme organised by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo Azeez Onimalu, at his residence in Egbeda, Ibadan.

According to him, the understanding was that Muslim and Christian leaders would support Makinde’s second-term ambition in 2023, with the expectation that a popular Muslim candidate acceptable to both religious groups would receive their backing in 2027.

The Islamic leader described Alli’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate as divinely ordained, claiming that the senator had secured the support of Muslims and Christians across the state.

He urged residents to rally behind Alli, expressing confidence that those involved in the reported agreement would honour their commitment.

Akinola also commended Onimalu for his contributions to the growth of Islam and his philanthropic activities, noting that his humanitarian efforts had continued to make a positive impact on the lives of the people.

In his welcome address, Onimalu disclosed that his foundation planned to empower at least 10,000 people, particularly unemployed graduates and widows, to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.

He said the initiative was designed to make beneficiaries financially independent and reduce their dependence on relatives and acquaintances for survival.

The Asiwaju Musulumi also declared support for Alli’s governorship ambition, expressing confidence in his victory at the 2027 election.

He maintained that the reported understanding between Muslim and Christian leaders in the state should be respected, urging the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian organisations reportedly involved in the arrangement to honour their commitment.

Onimalu consequently called on residents to support Alli and vote for him in the February 2027 governorship election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has presented three Toyota Camry cars to two party leaders and the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Muhammad Shuaibu Dikko, in recognition of their loyalty, support and contributions to his political journey.

The beneficiaries are Alhaji Muftau Adisa Gbayawu of Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Pa Dayo Adeola of Ibarapa East Local Government Area and Alhaji Dikko. The presentations were made on Tuesday and Thursday at the lawmaker’s residence in Ibadan.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the gesture reflected his belief that leadership should be anchored on gratitude and recognition of those who contribute to collective progress.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, the lawmaker described the presentations as a personal expression of gratitude to individuals whose commitment and encouragement had remained invaluable over the years.

The statement also explained that the latest gesture was part of Oseni’s longstanding personal tradition of expressing gratitude to God Almighty and appreciating people who had contributed to his journey.  It further stressed that the gesture was not an isolated one, but complemented several other ways through which he had consistently recognised and rewarded loyalty, commitment and support.

“This is not just a gesture; it is part of my personal commitment to showing gratitude to God Almighty and appreciating people whose support, loyalty and encouragement I never take for granted,” Oseni said.

He noted that the beneficiaries had remained steadfast in their support for his political vision, stressing that their contributions and sacrifices deserved recognition.

The APC candidate also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive representation, maintaining that his vision for Oyo South transcended religious, ethnic and gender differences.

“My vision for Oyo South is bigger than religion, ethnicity or gender. It is about bringing people together, respecting our diversity and building a representation in which every community and every constituent matters,” he said.

Oseni assured party leaders, supporters and constituents that he would continue to acknowledge their trust, sacrifices and dedication, describing their contributions as vital to the collective effort to advance the senatorial district. He added that more party leaders would receive similar gestures in the coming days.

The beneficiaries, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for what they described as an unexpected but deeply touching gesture. They commended his thoughtfulness and regard for those who had stood by him, offered prayers for God’s continued guidance and protection, and reaffirmed their support for his political journey.

Describing Oseni as a rare breed of politician with a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people and grassroots development, they pledged to continue supporting him as he discharges his legislative responsibilities at the National Assembly.