The Yorubaland Council for Islamic Preachers has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term and the 2027 Lagos governorship candidacy of Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

The declaration was made on Saturday by the council’s National Coordinator, Alhaji Tawfik Akeugbagold, during the ceremony in Lagos where Dr Tajudeen Olusi was turbaned as the Baba Adinni of Yorubaland.

Olusi is also a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Council calls for peaceful elections

While expressing the council’s political position, Akeugbagold also appealed for peaceful conduct throughout the 2027 electoral process.

He urged Nigerians to avoid actions that could create tension along religious, ethnic or political lines.

According to him, peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s different ethnic and religious communities remains important to national development.

He also encouraged religious and political leaders to promote issue-based political engagement.

Council urges Muslims to support Tinubu, Hamzat

Akeugbagold called on Muslim faithful who identify with the council’s position to support Tinubu and Hamzat during the 2027 elections.

He nevertheless emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, saying religious differences should not become a source of division.

The declaration represents the position of the Yorubaland Council for Islamic Preachers and should not be interpreted as representing Nigerian Muslims generally.

Hamzat attends Olusi’s installation

Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos Deputy Governor and APC candidate for the 2027 governorship election, attended the event and congratulated Olusi on his installation.

Hamzat thanked the council for honouring the senior political figure and urged religious organisations and community leaders to promote unity, peace and responsible citizenship.

Hamzat’s presence at the event comes against the background of his emergence as the APC’s candidate for the Lagos governorship election.

In May 2026, Hamzat won the Lagos APC governorship primary and subsequently emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.

Tinubu had earlier endorsed Hamzat

The support announced by the Islamic council follows several earlier political developments surrounding Hamzat’s candidacy.

In April, President Bola Tinubu endorsed Hamzat after the Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council, led by Tajudeen Olusi, adopted him as its consensus candidate.

Hamzat subsequently submitted his APC nomination forms before winning the party’s governorship primary in May.

This provides important context for the current story: the Islamic council’s declaration is another endorsement by a specific organised group, rather than a new determination of the APC candidate.

Olusi pledges to promote religious harmony

Speaking after his installation, Olusi expressed appreciation to the council for the honour.

He referred to his early Islamic education and said his background included attending an Islamic school and studying the Qur’an.

Olusi pledged to use his new position to promote peace, harmony and understanding among religious communities across Yorubaland.

He also prayed for wisdom and guidance in carrying out his responsibilities.

Cleric calls for peaceful coexistence

Islamic cleric Abdulmaliq Adebayo, popularly known as Baba Loworo, congratulated Olusi and described him as a longstanding friend.

He also used the occasion to appeal for peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

Another award recipient, Yusuf Araromi, who serves on the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board representing Epe Division, expressed appreciation for the recognition.

He said Islam would continue to promote peace, unity and development.

Political context

The declaration comes as political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections intensifies.

For Lagos, Hamzat’s candidacy is particularly significant because he is seeking to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after serving as deputy governor.

The APC’s selection process culminated in Hamzat’s victory at the party’s May 2026 governorship primary.

At the national level, Tinubu is seeking another presidential term.

The council’s statement therefore combines support for candidates at both the presidential and Lagos governorship levels.