A group under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Kwara Christian Stakeholders has intensified its advocacy for the emergence of a Christian governor in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PUNCH reports that the group made its position known on Wednesday during a press conference in Ilorin, urging political actors and stakeholders to embrace inclusivity and fairness in the state’s leadership structure.

Speaking at the briefing, the coalition’s spokesperson, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Adegboye, said the call was rooted in the principles of justice, unity, and democratic balance rather than religious sentiment.

“The Advocacy for Kwara Christian Governor in 2027 wishes to call on political actors in the state to avoid exclusionary tendencies and prioritise inclusivity. We have witnessed years of political imbalance and exclusion.

If we take cognisance of the multicultural makeup of Kwara State, which comprises Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Fulani, Igbo, Hausa, Christian, Muslim and Traditional Communities, then this makeup should be mirrored in political leadership,” he said.

The group argued that Kwara’s diverse population should be adequately reflected in its leadership, warning that continued imbalance could undermine the state’s long-standing peaceful coexistence.

“We wish also to mention that since the democratic rule of Kwara State, we have only had a Christian as Governor just once.

“This is not a religion campaign but rather a push for fairness and equal representation. We are against political actors who weaponise religion in choosing the candidate for the position of Governor.

“This is one of the dangers of exclusionary politics. The state’s history of peaceful co-existence should be maintained and sustained.”

Providing historical context, the coalition noted that since the creation of Kwara State, only one Christian, Chief C. O. Adebayo, in 1983, has served as the state’s civilian governor, while subsequent administrations have been led by Muslim governors.

The group listed past civilian governors, including Alhaji Adamu Attah (1979–1983), Senator Shaaba Lafiagi (1992–1993), Alhaji Mohammed Lawal (1999–2003), Dr. Bukola Saraki (2003–2011), Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (2011–2019), and the incumbent, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, all of whom are Muslims.