A coalition of Yoruba groups under the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has cautioned against introducing religious bias into politics in the South-West, warning that such narratives could undermine the region’s long-standing unity and coexistence.
The warning follows recent remarks by Ishaq Akintola, leader of the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC), who reportedly urged Muslims to support only Muslim candidates in governorship elections across Osun, Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun states.
In a strongly worded statement, AYDM described the position as divisive and inconsistent with the political culture of the South-West. The group stressed that Yoruba voters have historically prioritized competence and unity over religious affiliation, warning that faith-based voting could trigger retaliatory divisions among other religious groups.
According to AYDM, encouraging voters to align strictly along religious lines risks creating unnecessary tension and eroding decades of peaceful coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers in the region. The coalition argued that such rhetoric could lead to a dangerous cycle where different religious blocs begin mobilizing against one another politically.
The group further emphasized that Yorubaland has a rich history of religious tolerance, where political leadership has never been strictly determined by faith. It cited past examples of broad-based support for leaders across religious divides, reinforcing the idea that shared identity and common goals outweigh religious differences.
AYDM also urged stakeholders to focus on governance, development, and unity rather than divisive narratives. It called on security agencies to monitor statements capable of inciting tension, stressing that preserving interfaith harmony remains critical to the stability and progress of the South-West.