A group of Muslim youths in Ondo State, under the aegis of Ondo Youthful Muslims (OYM) have advocated for a Muslim as the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election.

The group’s president, Alhaji Misjudeen Raji posited on Tuesday in Akure, that the demand of his group had become necessary to ensure religious balancing in the APC governorship ticket. He stressed that the group had seen the need for Ondo State to toe the line of religious balancing as being practiced in other sister states, in the south west geo-political zone.

Raji further stressed the need for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to emulate former Governor Olusegun Mimiko who thoughtfully gave a sense of belonging to the Muslim community in Ondo State, by choosing Chief Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo as his deputies.

Raji also lamented the exclusion of Muslim from the strategic positions of authority and relevance in Ondo State throughout the almost seven years that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu presided over the affairs of the Sunshine State. He expressed utter disappointment with the exclusion of Muslims from the positions of governor, deputy governor, speaker of the state assembly, deputy speaker and the chief judge of Ondo State in the last seven years.

“It is on record that we Muslims were completely schemed out of all the strategic positions of relevance and authority throughout the almost seven years that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu ruled Ondo State. This was most unfair to us, despite the fact of our unflinching support for the APC. But, Ondo State is now in a new era that we Muslims expect Governor Aiyedatiwa to give serious consideration to the issue of religious balancing “.

When asked whether the group has any particular individual in mind to recommend as a running mate for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ; Alhaji Raji said Ondo State APC was blessed with a number of practising Muslims that are well known to be very dedicated,, loyal and committed to the ruling party.

He however, emphasized on a youthful Muslim with the right qualification to contest for the position of deputy governor. He also emphasized on a popular Muslim politician that has a strong connection with the grassroots as well as the acceptability that cut across both the youths and the elders.

“We cannot recommend a particular person at this time. But I am however, glad that Ondo State APC is blessed with a number of prapractising Muslims that are eminently qualified for the position of a deputy governor. While we don’t have anyone in mind, we nonetheless want a youthful Muslim that is very popular and has strong connection with the grassroots. We also want a Muslim whose political trajectory will complement the clearly unmatched popularity and acceptability of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa “, stressed Raji.