In a significant political development that could reshape Kwara State's electoral landscape, former Peoples Democratic Party Chairman Chief Iyiola Oyedepo has declared that a Christian candidate can realistically emerge as governor in the 2027 elections.
Breaking Religious Barriers in Kwara Politics
The prominent politician made these assertions during a crucial address in Ilorin on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Oyedepo firmly dismissed widespread claims that Kwara's next governor must necessarily be Muslim, emphasizing that "it is nowhere written that a Christian cannot rule in Kwara."
The elder statesman, who has served as commissioner twice and previously held the position of Chief Whip in the Kwara State House of Assembly, stressed that all citizens collectively own the state and contribute to its economy regardless of religious affiliation.
Warning Against Sectarian Division
Oyedepo issued a stern warning about the dangerous consequences of religious exclusion in politics. He cautioned that attempts to exclude candidates based on religion could fan dangerous sectarian embers that already threaten Nigeria's fragile peace.
The former PDP chairman urged residents of Kwara State to reject divisive political tactics and instead prioritize competence and fairness when choosing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's successor. He confidently stated that those advocating for religious exclusion represent "a very small minority" among the Muslim population.
Religion as Political Tool
According to Oyedepo's analysis, religion has frequently been exploited as a strategic political instrument rather than reflecting genuine voter preferences. "Politicians deploy many variables to win elections — religion is one of them," he explained during his Thursday address.
He characterized arguments suggesting a Christian cannot win the governorship in Kwara as "self-serving and against public interest." The political veteran emphasized that the majority of Muslims in the state primarily seek effective governance, irrespective of the governor's religious background.
This important political commentary emerges alongside other significant developments in Kwara State, including opposition allegations about worker welfare at the state's garment factory and concerns about growing insecurity under the current administration.
The political landscape also recently witnessed the All Progressives Congress securing a sweeping victory in local government elections, winning all sixteen chairmanship positions and one hundred ninety-three councillorship seats according to results announced by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission.
