Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has urged residents to reject religious divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the people of the state share a common ancestry and must remain united regardless of their faith.

Makinde made the call on Saturday at the opening of Rabitah 2026, a three-day conference organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland at the Jogor Event Centre in Ibadan.

The conference brought together Islamic clerics, scholars, traditional rulers and political stakeholders from across the South-West to discuss the responsibilities of politicians and voters during and after elections.

The governor appealed to Muslim leaders to use their influence to promote peace, tolerance and political stability as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

He said the increasing political discussions over who would emerge as the next governor should not create divisions between Christians and Muslims.

Makinde said religious diversity had long existed within families in Oyo State, using his own family background as an example. He disclosed that his grandfather was a Muslim and estimated that about 65 per cent of members of his extended family were Muslims.

He urged religious leaders to encourage voters to participate peacefully and prevent politicians from exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.

The governor also called on participants to pray for the continued peace and development of Oyo State and Nigeria, stressing that religious differences should not weaken the bonds among residents.

Makinde announced a donation of N50 million to support the conference, describing it as an important platform for religious engagement and prayers for the state and country.

He further urged clerics and traditional religious leaders to use their access to voters responsibly, noting that politicians would likely visit mosques and other religious centres to seek prayers and support as the election approaches.

Meanwhile, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland said it would not endorse any political party or candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Chairman of the League’s Board of Trustees, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, said the organisation would not declare support for any politician, maintaining that its role was to pray for the emergence of credible leaders.

The League’s President, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, similarly said Islamic clerics should focus on guiding the public and promoting Islamic values rather than participating in partisan politics.

The Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, said the conference was designed to strengthen unity among Muslims and promote cooperation between religious leaders, political office holders and traditional institutions before, during and after the 2027 elections.

The event was attended by political candidates, senior Islamic clerics, traditional rulers and Muslim leaders from Oyo and other South-West states.

The conference also featured lectures by Professor Amidu Sanni and Professor Adam Surajudeen on the responsibilities of political leaders and voters during and after elections.