As reports circulated that the Arewa community in Osun State had endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke as its preferred candidate for the August 15 governorship election, Mohammad—an ex–Senior Special Assistant on Non-Indigenes to former governor Gboyega Oyetola—moved to clarify that such a position does not reflect the views of Hausa residents across the state. He instead emphasized that the endorsement claimed in the media was linked to specific leadership structures within the wider Arewa framework, and that the community remains committed to engaging politics peacefully and through democratic means.
Clarification over the Adeleke endorsement
Mohammad said the claimed backing for Adeleke should not be treated as a collective decision by Hausa groups or by recognized Seriki Hausawa structures in Osun.
He argued that the endorsement was made by “some parts” of the Fulani community in Osun State rather than by the Hausa community, and he warned against interpreting the move as the stance of the entire Arewa population.
In his words, the endorsement “was made by some parts of the Fulani community in Osun State and not by the Hausa community or any recognized Seriki Hausawa in the state,” adding that it “should not be interpreted as the position of the entire Arewa community.”
Where the community says it stands politically
Alh Umar, who serves in a dual capacity as a former senior aide and co-chairman of the Non-Indigenes committee for the AMBO/Kayode governorship campaign, said the Arewa community intends to remain focused on peaceful participation and constructive involvement in the political process in Osun State.
He said members of the community would continue exercising their democratic rights based on their beliefs and interests.
Umar further stated that the Arewa community has thrown its support behind Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji—widely known as AMBO—as the candidate it backs ahead of the next election.
- He said the Arewa community is “fully in support” of AMBO’s governorship ambition.
- He stated that the community believes in AMBO’s vision and leadership qualities and is ready to support his candidacy.
- He urged political actors and the public not to assume that endorsements by one group automatically represent the wider Arewa or Hausa population across Osun State.
- He called for inclusiveness, proper consultation, and respect for the community’s varied political interests when endorsements or political declarations are made.
Planned rally and support for party ticket
Mohammad said preparations are underway for a major political gathering by Arewa members in support of the APC candidate and his running mate.
He predicted that Osun residents would soon see what he described as a “gigantic endorsement rally” by the Arewa Community APC in Osun State for the AMBO/Kayode 2026 ticket.
Appreciation for Ajisope Initiatives Foundation
Umar also used the statement to thank Alhaji Kabiru Okikiola, founder of the Ajisope Initiatives Foundation, for what he described as ongoing support to the Arewa community across Osun State.
He commended Okikiola for providing cash gifts to Hausa traditional leaders—including Serikis throughout the state—and for distributing Ramadan relief packages to Arewa community members during the holy month of Ramadan.
