The Founder and Spiritual Head, Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP, has called on Nigerians to look beyond religious sentiments when choosing political and community leaders, stressing the need to prioritize competence, character and capacity.
Professor Olagoke made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled “Beyond Religious Sentiment: Choosing Leadership Based on Competence, Character and Capacity” at the Legend Media Concept 2026 Annual Lecture and Award held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.
He argued that the quality of leadership should not be determined by a candidate’s religious identity, but by the individual’s ability, integrity, experience and commitment to public service.
According to him, religious affiliation alone does not guarantee effective leadership, noting that a leader who lacks competence and character may fail to deliver good governance irrespective of his or her faith.
The Islamic scholar maintained that Nigeria’s development challenges require leaders who possess the capacity to understand complex national issues, make responsible decisions and translate public resources into tangible benefits for citizens.
He stressed that competence should be measured by a leader’s knowledge, skills and ability to deliver on responsibilities, while character should reflect honesty, accountability, integrity and respect for the people.
“Capacity encompasses the strength, experience and institutional ability to turn policies and promises into measurable results,” Professor Olagoke said.
He therefore urged citizens to scrutinize the records, programmes, antecedents and leadership qualities of those seeking public office rather than allowing religious, ethnic or other sentiments to dictate their choices.
He warned that voting or supporting individuals solely because they belong to a particular religious group could undermine the collective interest and perpetuate poor leadership.
The scholar called for a new political culture in which citizens would demand accountability from leaders and assess them primarily on their ability to provide security, strengthen the economy, improve education and healthcare, create opportunities for young people and promote justice and social cohesion.
He also challenged religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify civic education and help citizens understand the importance of informed leadership choices.
Professor Olagoke emphasized that religion should promote morality, justice and responsible citizenship rather than become an instrument for political manipulation.
He said Nigeria could make meaningful progress when citizens and leaders alike placed the national interest above narrow religious, ethnic and personal considerations.
The Islamic scholar consequently urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the democratic process and hold political leaders accountable, stressing that the future of the country depends largely on the quality of leadership the people choose.
In their goodwill messages, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Oyo State, Hon. Kunle Olatunji and the Director of Youth Mobilisation for the Allied People’s Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State and Seyi Makinde Presidential Campaign, Hon Kazeem Bolarinwa, also maintained that excellent leadership and quality governance can only be achieved when the electorate focus on identifying candidates with capacity, character, competence and commitment to govern rather than religious sentiments.
The convener, Amb. Ademola Adesokan, expressed profound appreciation to Professor Olagoke and other guests, explaining that the event was put together to educate the people on the qualities to watch out for in those aspiring for leadership roles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The occasion climaxed with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Hon. Ajiboye Shangogade a.k.a. BoyeNation, represented by Hon. Ademola Omiyale, as well as fundraising.
