Ismaila Ashipa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, has called for what he described as a “balanced and pragmatic approach” to the 2027 governorship succession, urging political actors to pay close attention to religious considerations in candidate selection.
In a write-up released via his Facebook page, Ashipa argued that the state’s unique religious composition makes inclusivity a critical factor in maintaining political stability and electoral success.
The PDP stalwart noted that with Governor Seyi Makinde, a Christian, expected to complete his second term in 2027, considerations around fairness and representation should naturally come into play in determining his successor.
According to him, the principle of religious balance has historically influenced electoral outcomes in Nigeria and remains a sensitive factor among voters, particularly in the South-West where both Islam and Christianity have significant followings.
The write up reads:
Lustum est justum.
To win an election in a democracy, certain sentiments, trivial as it sounds, must be observed and respected before nominating a candidate: president or governor.
In a country or state or region of balanced faith, religion sentiment and even distribution of offices is mandatory.
North of River Niger is a predominant Muslim region while the South East and South-South are Christians. Only the South West is a potpourri of faith.
When a Muslim president is picked from the North, a Christian VP is a sure bet from the South.
When a Christian president is nominated from the South, a Muslim VP sounds right from the North.
When a Southern Muslim president is the candidate, a Christian VP from the North looks like a disaster awaiting arrival.
Hence, we had late MKO Abiola a Southern Muslim as president and another northern Muslim as a VP.
This situation repeated itself in the 2023 presidential election. Jagaban Tinubu, a Southern Muslim as president and Hajj Shetima, a northern Muslim as VP.
In South West Nigeria, state like Oyo is fortunate to have a balanced distribution of faith even though, Muslims have the majority with little gap. Therefore, it might sound a political harakiri if Muslim-muslim or Christian-Christian ticket is floated in Oyo state.
Additionally, it might sound catastrophic not to nominate a Muslim governor after the end of a two term Christian governor.
After the eight year reign of Lam Adesina plus Rashidi Ladoja (two Muslims), by accident or not, a Christian, late Alao-Akala, was declared the governor. Remember, late Abiola Ajimobi, a Muslim, lost in that election.
Lustum est justum – Fair is fair.
His Excellency, Egnr Seyi Makinde, a Christian, is the incumbent governor of Oyo state. After the expiration of His Excellency’s two term tenure, a Muslim candidate isn’t just proper but a #must.
Any political association working on hypotheses could experiment otherwise. Religion has plenty to do with elections here in Oyo state. I am a nominal Muslim. Don’t bother to accuse me of bigotry.
It is after an election is won that we think of good governance. Unless, there are no competent Muslims with capacities and capabilities in Oyo state
Best wishes.
Ashipa writes from Gbajumo Avenue, Yemetu, Ibadan.
