Osun 2026: Adeleke Runs on Christian Ticket, Not Muslim — Islamic Group Replies YOWICAN

As debates over religious representation intensify ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election, the Joint Muslims Action Forum (JOMAF) has claimed that Governor Ademola Adeleke cannot be regarded as a Muslim but rather as a Christian, accusing the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) of hypocrisy and bias.

In a statement released over the weekend and signed by JOMAF Chairman, Alhaji Kola Uzamat, and Secretary, Barrister Qaasim Odedeji, the coalition described YOWICAN’s recent comments on the state’s political and religious balance as “irritating and misleading.”

According to JOMAF, Osun Muslims had never protested when the state was governed by a Christian-Christian ticket, citing the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and his deputy, Olusola Obada, as an example.

“At the YOWICAN conference, while it was convenient for the Christian body to claim that some Muslims occupied the position of governor at one time or the other, it was not convenient for them to admit that for seven and a half years, Osun, despite being a Muslim-majority state, had a Christian-Christian ticket — where the governor, his deputy, and even the Chief of Staff were all Christians,” the group said.

JOMAF further alleged that Governor Adeleke’s administration represents “another Christian-Christian ticket,” claiming that the governor had “dropped his Muslim name” from official records.

“After all, the Muslim name with which the governor unconvincingly claimed Islam has suddenly vanished in the new certificate just issued to him by his party. Can’t our Christian brethren be truthful and fair for once?” the statement read.

The group insisted that Osun Muslims had shown “unequalled political tolerance,” warning that continued religious provocation could strain interfaith relations.

“If we should behave like Christians of Ondo, Ekiti, Plateau, Edo, and Benue States, no Christian should have been deserving of occupying the position of governor in Osun State,” JOMAF declared.

Calling for what it described as equity and fairness, the coalition urged all political parties in the state to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2026 governorship election.

“Having produced Christian-Christian leadership for a total of eleven years, Osun State does not deserve another Christian governor in 2026. Justice and fairness demand that the next governor and deputy should both be Muslims,” JOMAF stated.

The group appealed for calm among Muslims in the state, urging unity and vigilance ahead of the next election.

“We call on Muslims in Osun to remain united and patient in the face of renewed provocation. JOMAF will continue to monitor developments and will not hesitate to take legitimate steps to protect the political interests of Muslims in Osun State,” the statement concluded.

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