Osun 2026: MUPAF Endorses AMBO, Calls For Muslim Political Unity In Osun

The Muslim Political Awareness Front (MUPAF) has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), urging Muslims in Osun State to unite politically, participate actively in elections, and translate their numerical strength into stronger representation in government.

The endorsement was made during a public orientation programme held in Osogbo on Sunday, where Islamic scholars, political stakeholders, and members of the Muslim community gathered under the theme “Muslim Ummah in Politics: Our Unity; Our Strength,” with discussions largely centred on political consciousness, representation, and strategic participation.

The National Coordinator of MUPAF, Lukman Obembe, expressed concern over what he described as the level of Muslim representation in the current political structure of Osun State.

He argued that despite the population strength of Muslims in the state, their presence in key decision-making positions remains inadequate.

According to him, “We cannot continue to remain silent while representation does not reflect our strength. In the current administration, Muslims are not fairly represented, especially when you look at the number of commissioners and other strategic positions. Out of the entire cabinet, we cannot confidently say Muslims occupy up to a quarter of those positions, and that is not acceptable.”

He stated that the group is mobilising support for what he described as “their own,” referring to AMBO, insisting that political participation must be intentional and strategic.

“We are not just talking about politics for the sake of it. We are talking about fairness, inclusion, and ensuring that our people are not left behind. That is why we are aligning with AMBO, because we believe he represents that balance and understanding,” he added.

Obembe further urged members of the Muslim community to take ownership of the electoral process, stressing that voter turnout and unity would determine political outcomes. “If we are united and we come out en masse, we cannot be ignored. Numbers matter in politics, and we must begin to use that strength wisely,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the religious leadership, the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Imam Yunus Olushina Teliat (Ayilara II), PhD, called on Muslims to shed political apathy and become more engaged in civic processes. He warned that disengagement from politics often leads to marginalisation, regardless of population size.

The cleric urged Muslims to actively participate in elections, stressing that voting should be seen as a civic duty and not a partisan distraction.

He encouraged them to support candidates they believe are competent, noting that unity of purpose would strengthen their collective influence.

“If we truly understand our strength, then we must not sit on the fence. We should come out and vote. Politics is part of our reality, and we cannot separate ourselves from it,” he said, adding that Muslims must avoid division and focus on common interests.

He also emphasised that numerical strength, if properly organised, could shape electoral outcomes, noting that unity among Muslims would remain a decisive factor in political participation.

Also speaking, the keynote speaker, As-shaykh Al-imam Mukhtar Adedimeji Raji, stressed that political engagement should be guided by fairness, justice, and responsibility. He noted that the Muslim Ummah must not allow internal divisions or indifference to weaken its collective voice in governance.

According to him, “Politics is not something we can distance ourselves from if we want to be properly represented. What we need is unity, understanding, and a clear sense of direction. When we are united, our voice becomes stronger and more respected.”

He added that Muslims must approach political participation with a sense of duty, stressing that leadership and representation are best secured through organised and value-driven engagement rather than fragmentation.

AMBO, who was endorsed during the programme, expressed optimism about his chances, assuring that his ambition is anchored on inclusivity and fairness. He said his administration, if elected, would not discriminate on religious grounds, but would ensure balanced representation across all groups.

He noted that both Muslims and Christians would be carried along in governance, adding that his vision is to build a state where no group feels excluded or sidelined.

“My commitment is to fairness and unity. Everyone will have a sense of belonging, regardless of religious background,” he said.

He, however, used the occasion to congratulate Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his victory in the just concluded Gubernatorial Election.

Oyebamiji who described APC’s victory in Ekiti as well deserved, expressed optimism that the victory of Governor Oyebanji in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election will be replicated in Osun on August 15.