Osun 2026: Make Christians Your Gubernatorial Flagbearers, CAN Tells Political Parties

Ahead of the primary elections of political parties for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, has stressed the need for political parties to allow one of their gubernatorial aspirants who is a Christian, to clinch the party ticket.

The body implored political parties in the state to desist from the agelong political pattern that seem to be unfair to the christian community in terms of leadership inclusion.

The Christian youths recalled that since the return of the civilian rule, the governorship position in Osun has been occupied by Muslims, noting that such political arrangement is not inclusive and just.

Addressing a press conference at the CAN secretariat in Owode-Ede area of the state on Friday, Ayodele Owoofe, the chairman of the Youth Wing of the association, flanked by other members, said enough of Christians being made deputy governors, lamenting such pattern is gradually becoming a norm in the political scene of Osun.

While noting that CAN Youths are not against any religion, Owoofe said it is fair and just for major political parties in the state to consider making Christians their gubernatorial flagbearers at the poll to bring the expectation of having a Christian governor into reality.

He said, “Christians in Osun State have remained steadfast and supportive of governance. We have been contributing actively to the growth and stability of the state. It is therefore only fair and just that our political parties recognize this by providing Christians the platform to lead, in the same spirit of inclusion and equality that our democracy demands.

“We strongly believe that this consideration will foster greater unity, trust, and cooperation between all faith communities, while reinforcing political parties’ reputation as a truly inclusive and progressive parties that stand for justice and balance.”

According to the Youth Wing Chairman, “Over the years, it has become noticeable that political parties have consistently adopted the Muslim/Christian ticket, while little or no opportunity has been accorded to a Christian/Muslim ticket. As a major stakeholder, we view this as an imbalance that undermines the inclusive spirit upon which political parties were founded.

“There are competent, credible, and loyal Christians within political parties who are capable of providing excellent leadership at all levels. We therefore appeal to the leadership of political parties to give fair consideration to Christian/Muslim tickets in future elections and appointments.”

He stated that former governors in Osun such as Chief Bisi Akande, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola are Muslims with Christians as deputy governors, adding that most people in the state see incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke as both Christian and Muslim.

“However, as partners in the progress and unity of Osun State, we wish to humbly draw the attention of political parties to a matter of deep concern, which is the consistent pattern of Muslim/Christian tickets in political nominations and appointments within the parties, which appears to marginalise the Christian community in terms of leadership inclusion

As loyal citizens and believers in the principles of fairness, justice, and equity, we respectfully appeal that future political arrangements and nominations within political parties should also reflect Christian/Muslim tickets, thereby ensuring balanced representation and giving equal opportunity to all committed members regardless of their faith,” he said.

Owoofe added that, “It is not that we are against any religion, but what we are saying is that the issue of having Christian as deputy governor has to stop. Christians have been turned to second class in civil and public service. We want political parties to reason and consider a Christian as governor for equal balance.”