The Pathfinder
Saturday November 1, 2025
Please, share this story:
The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun State Chapter, has called on political parties to deviate from the age-long political pattern that seems to be unfair to the Christian community in terms of leadership inclusion.
Ahead of the primary elections of political parties for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in the state, the body stressed the need for political parties to allow their gubernatorial aspirants who are Christians to clinch the parties’ tickets.
The Christian youths recalled that since the return of civilian rule, the governorship position in Osun State had been occupied by Muslims, noting that such political arrangement was neither inclusive nor just.
Addresing a press conference at the CAN secretariat in Owode-Ede area of the state on Friday, the chairman of the Youth Wing of the association, Ayodele Owoofe, flanked by other members, said enough of Christians being made deputy governors, lamenting that such pattern was gradually becoming a norm in the political scene of Osun.
While noting that CAN Youths were not against any religion, Owoofe said it was fair and just for major political parties in the state to consider making Christians their gubernatorial standard-bearers at the poll, to bring the expectation of having a Christian governor to reality.
He said, “Christians in Osun State have remained steadfast and supportive of governance. We have been contributing actively to the growth and stability of the state.
“It is, therefore, only fair and just that our political parties recognise this by providing Christians the platform to lead, in the same spirit of inclusion and equality that our democracy demands.
“We strongly believe that this consideration will foster greater unity, trust, and cooperation among all faith communities, while reinforcing political parties’ reputation as a truly inclusive and progressive parties that stand for justice and balance.”
According to the Youth Wing Chairman, “over the years, it has become noticeable that political parties have consistently adopted the Muslim/Christian ticket, while little or no opportunity has been accorded to a Christian/Muslim ticket.
“As a major stakeholder, we view this as an imbalance that undermines the inclusive spirit upon which political parties were founded.
“There are competent, credible, and loyal Christians within political parties who are capable of providing excellent leadership at all levels.
“We, therefore, appeal to the leadership of political parties to give fair consideration to Christian/Muslim tickets in future elections and appointments.”
He stated further that former governors in Osun State, such as Chief Bisi Akande, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, were Muslims with Christians as their deputies, adding that most people in the state saw the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke as both Christian and Muslim.
“However, as partners in the progress and unity of Osun State, we wish to humbly draw the attention of political parties to a matter of deep concern, which is the consistent pattern of Muslim/Christian tickets in political nominations and appointments within the parties, which appears to marginalise the Christian community in terms of leadership inclusion.
“As loyal citizens and believers in the principles of fairness, justice, and equity, we respectfully appeal that future political arrangements and nominations within political parties should also reflect Christian/Muslim tickets, thereby ensuring balanced representation and giving equal opportunity to all committed members regardless of their faith,” he said.
Owoofe added that, “it is not that we are against any religion; but what we are saying is that the issue of having Christian as deputy governor has to stop.
“Christians have been turned to second class in civil and public services. We want political parties to reason and consider a Christian as governor for equal balance.”
We are here to serve you news and information.
Your donations, reactions and advert placement are welcome.
Contact us on 08033783144 (WhatsApp)
08023469999(WhatsApp)
idowuadelusi@gmail.com,thepathfindernews0@gmail.com
Follow our reports also on X @idowuadelusi and Facebook (Idowu Oluwole Adelusi)