Africa-Press – Nigeria. Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara State and two-time commissioner, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo, has insisted that there is no constitutional or moral barrier preventing a Christian from becoming governor of the state in 2027.
He cautioned that any attempt to exclude candidates on the basis of religion could deepen divisions and threaten social harmony.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Thursday, the veteran politician, who also served as Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly and played a prominent role in the ‘O to ge’ movement that ended the Saraki political structure, urged residents to prioritise competence, justice, and inclusiveness when choosing the next governor.
Oyedepo dismissed claims circulating in some political circles that only a Muslim should succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, describing such arguments as baseless and contrary to the spirit of unity.
“We all jointly own Kwara and contribute to its growth. There is nowhere it is written that a Christian cannot govern this state. Those pushing that sentiment represent only a tiny fringe.
“The vast majority of Muslims in Kwara simply want good leadership, regardless of the candidate’s faith,” he said.
He argued that religion has long been weaponised by politicians seeking electoral advantage rather than reflecting the true priorities of voters.
“Religion is just one of the many tools used to influence elections. Saying a Christian cannot win in Kwara is self-serving and contrary to public interest,” he added.
Reflecting on his experience during the 2019 political uprising that reshaped Kwara’s leadership, Oyedepo said genuine engagement and issue-driven campaigns, not religious manipulation, remain the most effective way to win the confidence of the electorate.
“During our struggle, some clerics assumed I possessed supernatural powers because people listened to me. There was nothing mystical about it. I spoke to their needs and aspirations. That is the essence of politics,” he noted.
He warned that allowing religious intolerance to shape the 2027 elections could attract negative global attention and worsen Nigeria’s fragile reputation for religious freedom.
“With the United States placing Nigeria on a list of countries of ‘particular concern’ over religious intolerance, we cannot afford to fuel extremist narratives,” Oyedepo said.
He lamented what he described as the federal government’s slow response to violent attacks in parts of the North Central, saying it had contributed to damaging perceptions of religiously motivated killings.
“We must rise above this. Leadership should bind us together, not tear us apart,” he added.
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