Hamzat to Muslims: Make Yourselves Available for Political Participation

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Muslims in the state to become more actively involved in politics and make themselves available for public service if they desire greater representation in government.

Hamzat made the call on Sunday when he visited The Companion Islamic Centre in Lagos as part of his consultations ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

The visit provided an opportunity for the leadership of The Companion and The Criterion to engage the Deputy Governor on issues of political inclusion, equitable representation, religious freedom, education, economic empowerment and the welfare of Muslim communities in Lagos.

Speaking during the engagement, Hamzat said political participation was essential to securing representation in government, stressing that appointments would be based on competence and the ability to contribute meaningfully to governance.

According to him, Muslims seeking greater representation should not only demand inclusion but must also actively participate in the political process and make themselves available for positions of responsibility.

“What we measure is ability to make yourself available. You must participate,” Hamzat said.

He explained that his approach to public appointments would not be determined by religious affiliation, but by the capacity and competence of individuals to serve the people.

“It’s not my job to determine your faith. I can work with any capable and competent person irrespective of their religion,” he said.

Hamzat’s position came in response to concerns raised by The Companion over what the organisation described as the inadequate representation of Muslims in senior political and administrative positions in Lagos State.

In his welcome address, the Amir of The Companion, Lagos District, Alhaji Abdulkabir Olayiwola Baruwa, said the organisation considered the visit an opportunity for constructive engagement between Muslim professionals and a prospective administration on issues affecting the development and social cohesion of Lagos State.

Baruwa said Muslims had historically contributed significantly to the development of Lagos and should have their contributions reflected in the opportunities and responsibilities available within the governance structure.

He stressed that the organisation’s demand was not for preferential treatment but for “fairness, equity, inclusion and equal opportunity.”

The Companion subsequently proposed a number of measures ahead of the 2027 election, including a framework for equitable representation in government appointments, balanced appointments to key public offices, stronger protection against religious discrimination, increased recruitment of Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers, and greater collaboration with Muslim organisations.

The organisation also proposed the establishment of a Lagos State Muslim Advisory Council comprising credible Imams, academics, professionals and other stakeholders to provide a structured platform for engagement with government.

‘Government should reflect Lagos’ diversity’

The Amirah of The Criterion, Dr Khadeejah Abdulsalam, also called for greater inclusion of Muslim women in government and urged authorities to ensure that the diversity of Lagos was reflected in the composition of government.

Abdulsalam, an Associate Professor at the University of Lagos, also advocated greater protection of Muslim children’s right to wear the hijab and the recruitment of qualified Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers in public schools.

She said Muslim women should be given opportunities to contribute to governance and development at various levels.

The Companion also highlighted its contributions to leadership development, education, economic empowerment and social welfare.

The organisation said its Zakat Collection and Distribution Programme had disbursed more than ₦250 million to beneficiaries over the past two years, with assistance covering accommodation, healthcare, scholarships, business equipment and seed capital.

It also highlighted the activities of its Academy for Ethics and Leadership (TAFEL), which provides leadership and capacity-building programmes for young people, adults, public institutions and corporate organisations.

While acknowledging the achievements of successive Lagos administrations in infrastructure, transportation, security, technology, tourism and economic development, The Companion said the next administration must consolidate existing gains while addressing challenges in housing, healthcare, education, water supply and technical and vocational training.

The organisation assured Hamzat of its readiness to contribute its intellectual, professional, organisational and community resources to the development of Lagos State.

Hamzat was accompanied by his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, and other members of his political team.