Ibrahim Shittu, a lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has rallied voters to vote only for Muslim candidates in the 2027 elections, claiming that Christian candidates are a menace to Islam.

The lawmaker representing Saki West made the remarks while addressing voters at a recent gathering in Oyo State, calling on them to support Muslim candidates and reject Christian politicians.

Mr Shittu alleged that Christian candidates will punish Muslims in the state if they are elected.

“We are appealing to you, our fathers, that you must stand with our candidates who are Muslims. Anyone who selects a Christian candidate for governor, let us reject them and not vote for them. If we vote for them, they will punish Muslims,” the All Progressives Congress lawmaker alleged.

Mr Shittu’s comment came as political parties prepare for the 2027 polls, with religious affiliation expected to be a major topic of discussion among the public.

Many have criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing his Muslim faith and Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s.

Meanwhile, Mr Shittu’s remarks have sparked widespread criticism among netizens, who are condemning his decision to invoke religion for political gain.

“One of the dumbest politicians ever. When are we going to wake up from this nepotism? I couldn’t believe that religious affiliations will still becloud any sane person in this generation. Ibrahim Shittu and brain are miles apart,” X user @Timileyinm69969 said.

@valentinepaulal said, “This is very wrong in a sane society. It breaks my heart to see politicians who are supposed to promote love and oneness between the members of the public are the ones causing hate among them. Shame on you, sir.”

“Nigeria is already using religion to play politics… and it hasn’t even fully started yet. You saw the game your godfather played during the presidential election. That same playbook will hurt this country badly—and if we’re not careful, it could burn it to the ground,” @Paid_ stated.

Some called for his prosecution.

@ObisesanOlarin1 said, “This kind of people should not be representing at state level, let alone national level; preaching religious hate speech should be a punishable offence that needs to be addressed by the law.”