As preparations toward the 2027 elections gather momentum, the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria, Ogun state chapter has called on all political parties to demonstrate sincerity by ensuring that their nomination processes reflect fairness and inclusiveness.
The Chairman and the secretary of the chapter Sheilk Abdur-Rasheed Mayaleeke and Alhaji Afolabi Zubair at a press conference in Ijebu Ode attended by executive members of the chapter and members of the Islamic congregation, pointed out that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) considers it necessary-at this critical juncture and with deep sense of concern-to speak with clarity, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility on the issue of political representation in Ogun State.
The Sharia council who decried high level of marginalization said, facts are undeniable and must no longer be ignored.
“By the year 2027, the office of the Governor of Ogun State would have been occupied by Christian leaders for a cumulative period of 26 years, while Muslims-who constitute a significant and integral part of the state would have held the same office for only 8 years.”
The latter which is less than one third of the former is not just a marginal discrepancy. Rafher, it is a prolonged imbalance.
At this, the Supreme council for Sharia in Nigeria, Ogun state therefore, states unequivocally that such a pattern is inconsistent with the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusive governance upon which a stable and united society must be built.
” Let it be clear this is not an attempt to diminish the contributions of any individual or group.” However, justice cannot be selective, and equity cannot remain an abstract ideal.
A democratic system that continuously reflects imbalance in leadership representation risks eroding trust, weakening unity, and fostering legitimate concerns about exclusion.
The Ogun state chapter of the council also called on political leaders and influencers to rise above entrenched patterns and act in the broader interest of justice.
It also appealed to stakeholders across Ogun State to recognize that equitable representation is not a concession, but a necessity.
We emphasize, in the strongest terms, that this moment demands intentional correction-not symbolic gestures.
Anything short of a conscious effort to address this imbalance will be interpreted, rightly or wrongly, as a continuation of systemic exclusion.
Ogun State must not set a precedent where any major segment of its population is consistently underrepresented in its highest office.
The time to act is now.
Justice delayed in matters of representation can have far-reaching consequences, while justice embraced strengthens unity, stability, and collective progress.
The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria remains committed to peace, lawful engagement, and constructive dialogue. However, we will continue to advocate-firmly and responsibly-for what is right, just, and equitable.
The group therefore prayed that may Almighty Allah guide political leaders in Ogun state to act with courage, fairness, and sincerity.
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