By Adeola Badru

A coalition of Christian leaders, interfaith coordinators, youth organisations and community mobilisation groups has declared support for the governorship ambition of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, Bimbo Adekanbi, framing his candidacy as a platform for inclusive governance, grassroots empowerment and institutional continuity.

The endorsement was made yesterday during a strategic engagement held in Ibadan, where faith-based stakeholders across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas pledged to activate their established community structures in support of Adekanbi’s bid for the Agodi Government House.

The gathering, convened under the coordination of the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, Rev’d Femi Ibikunle, brought together representatives of several organisations, including pastoral networks, Christian youth bodies, interfaith coordination groups and civic advocacy platforms.

Participants described the meeting as a consolidation of existing grassroots mobilisation structures that have historically played roles in shaping electoral outcomes in the state.

Speaking on behalf of a coalition of grassroots pastors, Rev’d Feyisetan said Christian community structures remain deeply rooted across local government areas and capable of influencing civic participation and voter mobilisation at scale.

He noted that faith leaders had previously been instrumental in grassroots engagement during past electoral cycles and expressed confidence that similar networks could be activated ahead of 2027.

According to him, the coalition’s focus would remain on governance that delivers tangible socio-economic impact rather than symbolic political engagement.

He urged the governorship candidate to maintain direct engagement with community structures if elected, warning against governance that becomes detached from the grassroots after elections.

Other speakers emphasised the need for an administration that prioritises economic empowerment, job creation and measurable development outcomes, rather than programmes perceived as largely ceremonial or non-transformative.

Representatives of youth and civic organisations at the meeting also called for a governance model that expands participation beyond partisan lines, arguing that competence, accountability and service delivery should define public appointments and policy direction.

They stated that their support for Adekanbi was anchored on expectations of continuity in governance reforms, improved welfare systems and inclusive development strategies across urban and rural communities.

Several Christian group leaders at the event also commended the role of interfaith coordination in promoting religious harmony within the state, describing it as a stabilising factor in governance and civic cohesion.

They further praised what they described as increasing collaboration between religious institutions and public administration in fostering peaceful coexistence across Oyo State.

Addressing the gathering, Adekanbi expressed appreciation for the endorsement and engagement, describing it as a responsibility to uphold trust and deepen public confidence in governance.

He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, accountability and sustained development, while acknowledging Governor Seyi Makinde’s influence in shaping governance structures in the state.

Adekambi also emphasised the importance of continuity in public policy, arguing that sustainable development is achieved when successive administrations build on existing reforms rather than dismantling them.

He used the occasion to highlight concerns over security challenges affecting parts of the state, including recent incidents involving abductions, and called for strengthened collaboration between government and communities to improve safety outcomes.

He commended ongoing security efforts and expressed optimism that affected victims would be safely reunited with their families.

The governorship hopeful further stressed that governance must remain people-centred, insisting that development policies should cut across religious, ethnic and political divides.

He pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, human capital investment and broad-based economic inclusion across all regions of Oyo State.

In his remarks, Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, Rev’d Femi Ibikunle, described the mobilisation initiative as a collective responsibility, urging participating groups to take ownership of grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

He encouraged sustained collaboration among faith-based and civic organisations to strengthen democratic participation and deepen community involvement in governance.