…pledges support for any party that fields a Muslim governorship candidate
The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has concluded its 2026 General Assembly with sweeping resolutions aimed at strengthening ethical leadership, safeguarding Muslim interests, and deepening political participation in Lagos State.
The high-level gathering, held at the Conference Hall of the Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, brought together delegates from more than 100 Islamic organisations across the state. The Assembly was presided over by the President of MCLS, Alhaji Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole, and deliberated under the theme, “Islamic Ethics and Good Governance: A Blueprint for Leaders and the Led in Contemporary Lagos.”
After extensive discussions, the Assembly resolved that the Muslim Community of Lagos State would withhold support from any political party that fields a non-Muslim candidate for the governorship in the 2027 general elections. The decision, members noted, reflects the growing call for fair representation and inclusive governance in a state with a significant Muslim population.
In a communiqué released at the end of the Assembly, members unanimously adopted several resolutions touching on administration, education, governance, and religious rights. The 2024 and 2025 Financial Reports of the association were provisionally approved, pending the completion of an ongoing audit exercise.
The Assembly cautioned Muslims against internal divisions, particularly the spread of conflicting narratives on social media, and emphasised the need for unity of purpose. It further urged the Lagos State Government to ensure religious balance in the appointment and posting of Tutor-Generals and Permanent Secretaries within secondary schools across the six education districts of the state.
Participants expressed concern over what they described as the underrepresentation of Muslims in political appointments and in the leadership of health institutions across Lagos. To address this, the Assembly mandated the MCLS leadership to sustain regular engagement with governments at all levels to protect and advance Muslim interests.
On education and cultural development, the Assembly appealed to the state government to urgently recruit qualified Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers into public schools, decrying the shortage currently experienced across the state. Muslim parents were also encouraged to instil Islamic values in their children from an early age to promote moral uprightness and spiritual growth.
The Assembly further resolved that former executives of the association must formally hand over all properties, records, and documents in their possession, including materials relating to the scholarship programme. In a major administrative milestone, a new constitution for the Muslim Community of Lagos State was presented and unanimously adopted.
In recognition of the role of young people in shaping the future of the community, the Assembly approved the establishment of a youth wing of MCLS. Members also reaffirmed the need for Muslims in Lagos State to actively participate in politics and to support Muslim candidates in upcoming elections, with particular emphasis on the governorship race.
Reiterating its stance on religious freedom, the Assembly called on the Lagos State Government to fully comply with the Supreme Court ruling permitting the use of hijab by female Muslim students in public schools. Reports on proposed bills to establish an Islamic Personal Court and a Shariah Court of Appeal were also unanimously adopted.
Islamic organisations represented at the Assembly included Anwaru Islam, NACOMYO, Fathia, Jawadullahi Islam, MSSN, NADWAT, ASGAT, FOMWAN, Dawah Front, NUD, Union of Arabic Teachers, NASFAT, Association of Muslim Professionals, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, ACAOSA, Al-Qunar, Zumuratu Islamiyyah, NATAIS, The Academy, AZWAN, Hisbullahi, Islamic League, Criterion, and MAN.
The 2026 General Assembly ended with a renewed commitment to unity, principled leadership, and collective action in advancing good governance and social justice in Lagos State.
