2027: Lagos Muslims threaten to withdraw support from parties without Muslim governorship candidate

The Muslim Community of Lagos State, MCLS, has voiced strong dissatisfaction over what it described as the sustained marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments and governance in the state, warning that it will not support any political party that presents a non-Muslim candidate for the governorship in the next general election.

In a firm resolution, the group declared that Muslims would withdraw electoral backing from any party that fails to field a Muslim candidate in the 2027 governorship race.

“We cannot continue to be sidelined in our own state. The Muslim community will only support a candidate who represents our values and interests,” the communiqué stated.

The position was adopted at the maiden General Assembly of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, held last Saturday at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

The meeting attracted over 1,000 Muslims drawn from various divisions and local government areas across the state.

Participants at the Assembly lamented what they described as the exclusion of Muslims from key sectors of governance, particularly in education. The gathering called on the Lagos State Government to recruit more Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers into public schools and to ensure religious balance in the appointment of Tutors General and Permanent Secretaries across the six education districts.

The Assembly also urged the government to comply fully with the Supreme Court ruling permitting the use of hijab by female Muslim students in public schools and to address what it termed marginalisation of Muslims in health institutions and political appointments.

Beyond political resolutions, members adopted the provisional financial reports for 2024 and 2025, subject to audit, ratified the nomination of trustees and approved a new constitution for the community. The revised constitution introduces the Islamic principle of Shurah as the basis for electing officers and clearly outlines eligibility, tenure and electoral procedures.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Alhaji Tajudeen Afolabi attributed governance failures partly to weak civic responsibility, noting that selfishness, unethical behaviour and indifference among citizens contribute to poor leadership outcomes.

“The followers must rise above laid-back attitudes and unwholesome acts if we are to achieve meaningful change,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Saheed Timehin of Lagos State University, LASU, emphasised the need for value reorientation, collective responsibility and active civic engagement. Prof. Nasir Onibon added that leadership quality is often a reflection of followership, remarking that, “Once the followers are good, the leaders will get it right.”

Also contributing, Prof. AbdulKabir Paramole warned that dishonesty and corrupt practices among citizens undermine development, citing habits such as cost inflation and misrepresentation. He cautioned against placing all blame on leaders, stressing that followers also have a duty to support nation-building efforts.

The Assembly ratified the nomination of trustees, including Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, Chief Bode Oyedele, Imam Yahyah Ishola, Dr Abdulkareem Seriki, Alhaja Muhibat Wonu Folami, Ramlat Muri Okunola and Alhaja Rasaqat Tobun.

Presenting the new constitution, Barr. Mubashir Ojelade, Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, explained that it provides clear guidance on leadership structure and internal governance.

The four-hour General Assembly featured robust debates, motions and contributions from members, all of which were adopted through voice votes. It also called on Muslims across Lagos to remain united, entrench Islamic values in their families and take a more active role in shaping the political future of the state.

2027: Lagos Muslims threaten to withdraw support from parties without Muslim governorship candidate