Muslim leaders in Ogun State have called on voters to prioritise integrity and competence over religious and socio-cultural sentiments in the 2027 general elections. The appeal was made during a public lecture in Abeokuta focused on ethical political participation. Government officials also used the platform to defend ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure programmes.
The Ameerul Mufasinrin of Ogun State, Sheikh Sulaimon Mahmoud, advised Muslims to avoid bias when selecting political leaders. He delivered the message at a lecture titled Islamic Principles of Purposeful Political Choices in a Democratic Setting during the inauguration and Ramadan programme organised by the Progressive Muslim Clerics in Abeokuta.
The event, held in Abeokuta, was supported by the Asalam Alaikum Foundation in honour of the parents of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
Sheikh Mahmoud said leadership decisions should be guided by values such as honesty, integrity, credibility, empathy, justice and accountability. He stressed that moral character and competence must outweigh ethnic, religious or cultural considerations.
He also highlighted the responsibility of citizens in electoral processes, noting that meaningful participation is essential to producing credible representation. Addressing young people, he warned that political apathy could result in poor governance and limit their ability to demand accountability.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Kunle Salako, urged Nigerians to remain confident in the reform agenda of the current administration.
Salako said the government of Bola Tinubu is implementing wide-ranging economic measures aimed at long-term stability and growth. He stated that reforms introduced since 2023 have helped stabilise the naira, ease inflationary pressure and strengthen foreign reserves to their highest level since 2019.
The minister added that food security conditions have improved and that ongoing infrastructure projects are designed to deliver long-term national benefits. He said the administration’s development strategy is structured to create sustained impact over several decades.
Salako also praised the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for his contributions to socio-economic development in the district. He described the lawmaker as a distinctive public servant with measurable community impact.
