MUPAF raises alarm over lack of Muslim governors in South-West

DDM News

The Muslim Political Awareness Front (MUPAF) has expressed concern over the absence of Muslim governors in southern Nigeria, particularly in the South-West region.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) correspondent, the group made this statement during a stakeholders’ conference held in Osogbo on May 3, 2025. Osogbo

Osun State is a vibrant region located in southwestern Nigeria, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Famous for its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Osun offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

The state is home to the renowned Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a testament to indigenous Yoruba religious practices.

Additionally, Osun State hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate traditional customs, including the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival which attracts visitors from around the world.

With bustling cities such as Osogbo, the state capital, Osun provides both residents and tourists with opportunities to explore its markets, historical landmarks, and art centers, while enjoying the warm hospitality of its people.

According to MUPAF, the absence of Muslim leadership in the region is becoming increasingly glaring and is affecting the equitable distribution of public resources.

Alhaji Lukman Obembe, the National Coordinator of MUPAF, addressed the gathering, calling on all political parties to prioritize Muslim candidates ahead of the 2026 governorship elections.

He stated that the aim of the event was to discuss political participation, governance issues, and the allocation of party tickets as the region prepares for the next election cycle.

Obembe highlighted MUPAF’s growth and its commitment to political awareness over the last eight years, particularly in the South-West and Kwara State.

He noted that Muslims, who constitute a significant portion of the population in these states, should have greater political representation.

“We must rise and use our population to regain lost ground,” he urged the attendees, emphasizing that Muslims make up about 67% of the population in Osun State alone.

A significant part of the group’s concerns is the imbalance in the allocation of public resources, appointments, and employment opportunities in the region.

Obembe pointed out that despite the Muslim majority in states like Osun, Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun, there has been little effort to distribute resources equitably.

He criticized the political class for neglecting the interests of Muslim constituents and called for more inclusive governance.

MUPAF has also made it clear that it will support any political party that presents a Muslim candidate for the 2026 elections.

However, the group emphasized that their support would not be granted to just any Muslim candidate.

The group intends to vet all Muslim candidates, ensuring they demonstrate strong Islamic values in leadership.

“A true Muslim leader must manage public resources equitably and uphold justice in governance,” Obembe said, reiterating that only those who genuinely embody Islamic principles would receive MUPAF’s endorsement.

This strong stance by MUPAF reflects its growing influence within the Muslim community, as evidenced by its recent constituency tour across Osun State, where it engaged Muslim leaders and stakeholders at various levels.

Obembe stressed that MUPAF has no political allegiance to any particular party or individual.

Instead, it is dedicated to promoting credible Muslim leadership that reflects the demographic and religious realities of the region.

However, the political mobilization of religious groups, including the focus on Muslim candidates, raises concerns about the impact of religion on Nigerian politics.

Critics argue that using religion as a political tool can deepen divisions in a multi-religious society, potentially leading to more polarizing campaigns.

The overemphasis on religious identity may distract from important issues such as governance, development, and the well-being of citizens, undermining the country’s efforts at building a united and inclusive nation.

In conclusion, while MUPAF’s initiative aims to increase Muslim participation in politics, there are broader concerns about the potential misuse of religious sentiment in governance.

The organization’s push for Muslim leadership in the South-West calls attention to the need for better representation but also raises significant questions about the intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria’s complex social landscape.

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