Religion Must Not Become Political Weapon in 2027, Makinde Tells Clerics
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has urged religious leaders and residents to resist attempts by politicians to exploit religious differences for political gains ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde said religion must not be allowed to become a divisive tool in the state’s political space, stressing the need to preserve the longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Oyo State.
The governor made the call while speaking at the opening of the three-day Rabitah 2026 Conference, organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland at an event centre in Ibadan.
Addressing Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders, Makinde emphasised the importance of religious harmony, mutual respect and unity as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gathered momentum.
”We won’t allow religion to divide us. Let us pray for our state and our country because this is the period leading up to the next election, when a new set of leaders will emerge,” he said.
He noted that Oyo State had maintained a longstanding tradition of religious harmony, adding that the collective development of the state should take precedence over political interests and divisive rhetoric.
Makinde observed that many families in the state had members who practised both Islam and Christianity, describing such relationships as evidence of the deep-rooted bonds among residents, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
”I want to appeal to all of us not to allow ourselves to be divided along religious lines because we share the same ancestry, and the same blood flows through our veins,” he added.
The governor urged religious leaders to sustain their prayers for the peace, unity and prosperity of Oyo State and Nigeria.
He also encouraged them to use their influence to promote responsible civic engagement, tolerance and peaceful participation in the democratic process as the 2027 elections approach.
Makinde acknowledged the contributions of religious leaders to promoting societal values, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, describing their roles as vital to sustaining unity in the state.
In support of the conference, the governor announced a donation of ₦50 million to the organisers.
He described the gathering as an important platform for spiritual reflection, stakeholder engagement and collective prayers for the progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Makinde expressed optimism that Oyo State would continue to serve as an example of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country.
