A prominent political voice and youth advocate, Woli Abiodun of Ibadan, has criticised what he described as attempts by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use religious sentiments to influence voters in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the people of the state are more concerned about good governance, performance and leadership capacity than religious affiliations.
Woli Abiodun maintained that Oyo State residents, particularly the youths, are politically conscious, enlightened and capable of making independent electoral decisions based on the records and performance of political candidates rather than religious considerations.
He argued that Nigerians have experienced leadership under different Muslim presidents without necessarily witnessing the economic prosperity they deserve, citing the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as examples.
According to him, the economic challenges, rising cost of living and hardship experienced by Nigerians under successive APC administrations should serve as a reminder that religious affiliation is not a guarantee of good governance or economic prosperity.
He further cited Osun State, where former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, a Muslim and APC member, completed his tenure before another Muslim APC member, Gboyega Oyetola, succeeded him, stressing that political succession should not be turned into a religious controversy.
“Don’t divide us with religious propaganda. The people of Oyo State do not vote based on sentiments or religious affiliations.
We are united in our demand for good governance and against bad leadership.
“Buhari was a Muslim and governed Nigeria for eight years, yet the country experienced serious economic challenges.
Tinubu, another Muslim, succeeded him, and Nigerians are still grappling with hardship and hunger. So, why should anybody make religion the determining factor in our electoral decisions?
“Oyo State youths are intelligent, politically conscious and well-informed. We know what we want, and we cannot be deceived with religious sentiments. We are voting for good governance, not religion. We are voting for PERFORMANCE, not religion,” he declared.
Woli Abiodun further insisted that the people of Oyo State would not be intimidated or pressured into supporting any candidate on account of religious identity, adding that electoral choices should be determined by competence, credibility, compassion and demonstrable commitment to the welfare of the masses.
He also reaffirmed his political allegiance to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), declaring his support for the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, as well as other APM candidates across the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the interest of the people must remain paramount in the political process, stressing that Oyo State deserves leaders who understand the needs of ordinary citizens and are prepared to prioritise their welfare.
Woli Abiodun concluded by urging residents, particularly young people, to remain united, politically conscious and focused on the issues that truly matter, insisting that the 2027 elections should be about performance, accountability, development and the collective future of Oyo State rather than religious sentiments.
