Muslims in Ogun State have given conditions to vote for candidates with assurance of full participation in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
The conditions according to the communique issued at the end of the general meeting of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) held over the weekend include competencies, good track records of selfless services and sincere commitment to the protection of the rights and interests of the Muslim community in the State.
The meeting held at the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu-ode was presided over by the Council’s President-General, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona said machineries have been put in place to ensure Muslims in the State come out enmasse to vote for candidates that will enhance the peace, progress and development of Ogun State.
The Awujale as President-General of the Council who was represented by a Vice President-General, Otunba AbdulFatahi Arowolo said Muslims should not consider political apathy as an option in the 2023 general elections as the stake is high to ensure their rights and interests are adequately protected.
Representatives from the four divisions – Egba, Yewa, Ijebu and Remo promised to ensure that Muslims exercise their franchise in a more unified and purposeful way during the ongoing political and electoral process.
In a press release signed by the Secretary-General of the organisation, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, the communique noted that Islam is not against political participation and therefore enjoined them to emulate the Prophet (SAW) who exhibited high level of leadership skill and political engagement that turned around the fortunes of Saudi Arabia and Muslims around the globe.
According to the meeting, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) exemplified this as a Head of State and laid the foundation for political participation in which his rightly guided companions inherited and institutionalised.
Furthermore, it was disclosed that Islam does not go against political participation and involvement in politics by Muslims and urged all eligible Muslim voters to exercise their franchise without fear or favour.
