The Muslim Political Awareness Front (MUPAF) has reaffirmed the need for strategic Muslim participation in politics, stressing that electoral support must be anchored on concrete developmental outcomes rather than religious symbolism.
The group made this position known during a constituency orientation programme held on Sunday in Ogbaagba, Olaoluwa Local Government Area of Osun State. Speaking at the event, MUPAF National Coordinator, Alhaji Lukman Obembe, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and clear policy direction from political contenders, particularly as the August 8 Osun State governorship election approaches.
Obembe noted that while several political parties have presented Muslim candidates for the election, the responsibility now lies with the Muslim community to critically evaluate their programmes and governance priorities.
“Islam places strong emphasis on societal development. Therefore, beyond religious affiliation, we must interrogate what each candidate intends to deliver for Islam and the wider community,” he said.
MUPAF disclosed plans to convene internal engagements to review candidates’ manifestos and policy frameworks, with the aim of identifying the most credible development agenda before declaring its official political position.
According to Obembe, the era of exploiting Islamic identity for political gain without corresponding benefits to the community must come to an end. He stressed that Muslims constitute a significant demographic and political force in Osun State and must take deliberate ownership of their collective future.
The group further called on aspiring leaders to ensure that governance under their leadership makes Islam socially impactful, while delivering democratic dividends equitably and without favoritism. It also criticized political structures influenced by secret cultism, warning against systems that relegate Islamic interests to the background.
As part of its accountability drive, MUPAF announced plans to formally engage governorship candidates across parties including ADC, APC, SDP and others, comparing their manifestos to ensure Muslim perspectives are fully integrated into Osun’s political agenda.
“Our objective is straightforward: to guarantee that Muslim interests are respected, protected, and meaningfully advanced, and that the next administration genuinely contributes to the development of our community,” the organization stated.
