An All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Shittu, has urged Muslim voters to reject Christian candidates in the 2027 elections, alleging that Muslims could be punished if a Christian is elected governor.
Shittu, who represents Saki West State Constituency, made the remarks while addressing voters at a gathering in Oyo State.
The lawmaker called on Muslims to support Muslim candidates and reject political parties that field Christian candidates for governor.
“We are appealing to you, our fathers, that you must stand with our candidates who are Muslims. Anyone who selects a Christian candidate for governor, let us reject them and not vote for them. If we vote for them, they will punish Muslims,” Shittu said.
He also urged voters to support Muslim candidates contesting under the APC.
Shittu’s comments come as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with religion emerging as one of the issues being discussed in Oyo State’s political space.
The lawmaker’s remarks have attracted criticism from social media users, with some accusing him of using religion to influence voters and deepen divisions.
“This is very wrong in a sane society. It breaks my heart to see politicians who are supposed to promote love and oneness between the members of the public are the ones causing hate among them. Shame on you, sir,” X user @valentinepaulal said.
Another user, @Timileyinm69969, criticised the lawmaker, saying religious affiliation should not determine political choices.
“Nigeria is already using religion to play politics… and it hasn’t even fully started yet,” @Paid_ wrote.
Some critics also called for legal action over the statement.
“This kind of people should not be representing at state level, let alone national level; preaching religious hate speech should be a punishable offence that needs to be addressed by the law,” @ObisesanOlarin1 said.
The controversy comes amid a wider debate over religious representation in Oyo State ahead of 2027. Groups and political actors have previously argued that a Muslim should succeed Governor Seyi Makinde, who is a Christian.
Makinde has maintained that religion should not be the determining factor in choosing his successor, stressing the importance of competence and the ability to continue the state's development.
Shittu’s statement has therefore added to the ongoing debate over religion and political representation in Oyo State as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
