The leadership of three Christian groups in Osun State has called for a power shift to Christians in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election, insisting that equity and fairness demand that a Christian should lead the state next.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the groups said the appeal was based on the political history of the state since the return to democratic governance in 1999.
The statement, jointly signed by Bishop Seun Adeoye, Lead Bishop of the Worldwide Anglican Church in Nigeria; Bishop Mike Adebomi, Osun State Coordinator of the World Bishops Council (Africa Chapter); and Rev. Theophilus Ayodeji, National Leader of the Gospel Pushers Association (GPA), noted that four out of the five individuals who have governed the state so far are Muslims.
They listed the past and current governors as Chief Adebisi Akande (Muslim, 1999-2003), Prince Oyinlola (Christian, 2003-2010), Ogbeni Aregbesola (Muslim, 2010-2018), Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola (Muslim, 2018-2022), and Senator Ademola Adeleke (Muslim, 2022–present).
Read Also: Osun 2026: PDP, APC trade blows over Adeleke’s screening
According to them, by the end of Adeleke’s tenure in November 2026, Muslims would have governed Osun for about 20 of the 26 years of the current democratic dispensation, leaving Christians with only seven years.
The clerics argued that Christians in the state have consistently supported all administrations regardless of religious affiliation and have contributed to the state’s development. They maintained that it is now fair and just for a Christian to emerge as governor in the 2026 election.
“For the sake of equity and fair play, we call on all stakeholders in the Osun State project, and indeed all political associations to see our request as justifiable, reasonable and which we know aligned with democratic principles,” the statement read. “We promise to mobilize voters massively to support any political party that goes along with our position.”
The groups also called on the Osun State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (OSCAN) to convene a meeting of Christian aspirants across parties to strategize and ensure the emergence of a Christian governor in the August 8, 2026 poll.
They further expressed readiness to collaborate with other like-minded organisations and individuals to advance the cause of religious balance in the state’s leadership
