Surulere politics: CAN, Islamic clerics differ over alleged marginalisation of Christians

*It can undermine peaceful coexistence — CAN

*It’s unfounded, misleading— CCIA

By Dapo Akinrefon

LAGOS — THE Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Council of Chief Imams and Alfas, CCIA, yesterday, bickered over the alleged marginalisation of Christians in political leadership in Surulere local government area of Lagos State.

CAN petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the development, saying it was troubling and could undermine peaceful coexistence in the community.

However, the Council of Chief Imams and Alfas, CCIA, in Surulere, faulted the position of the Christian body, saying it does not reflect the true reality of the Surulere community.

It can undermine peaceful coexistence — CAN

CAN, in a letter by its Surulere Chairman, James Akingboye and nine other officials, said the development is troubling and could undermine peaceful coexistence in the community.

According to the association, only Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is a Christian among the 13 political office holders from Surulere at the federal and state levels.

The Christian umbrella body said other political figures from the area, including Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Fuad Laguda, House of Representatives’ member; Sulaimon Bamidele, chairman of Surulere LGA; and Muiz Dosumu, Vice-Chairman of the council, are Muslims.

The CAN asked Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure fairness in political representation in the area.

The petition reads: “Our community is composed of both Christians and Muslims who have lived together peacefully and have contributed equally to its growth and stability.

“This letter is not written to incite tension but to firmly state that a sustained imbalance in political appointments is neither healthy nor acceptable in a pluralistic community such as ours.

“Equity in leadership must reflect the religious diversity of our population.

“Presently, there is only one Christian occupying a political position within the party framework.

“Any attempt to remove or replace this sole representative would effectively eliminate Christian participation at a meaningful decision-making level.”

It’s unfounded, misleading— CCIA

Reacting to CAN’s petition, the Council of Chief Imams and Alfas (CCIA), Surulere, Lagos State, insisted that Christians are not marginalised on religious grounds in the distribution of political offices within Surulere.

It also warned that religious platforms should not be used as instruments for advancing political interests.

The CCIA said: “We wish to state categorically and without ambiguity that this claim is unfounded, misleading, and does not reflect the true reality of our community.

“Surulere has long been known as a peaceful and cosmopolitan local government where people of different religious backgrounds coexist harmoniously. Political participation and leadership within Surulere have never been determined by religious affiliation, but rather by interest, participation, competence, and democratic engagement. Individuals who contest elections and emerge as candidates do so through established political processes, not on the basis of religion.

“The Council finds it necessary to emphasise that no known Christian political office holder in Surulere has come forward at any time to complain of discrimination or marginalisation on religious grounds. On the contrary, Surulere has consistently produced and supported leaders from diverse religious backgrounds who have served and continue to serve with distinction.

“While we respect the role of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Surulere Chapter, as a religious body, we strongly caution against allowing religious platforms to be used as instruments for advancing political interests disguised as religious concerns. Such narratives, especially at a time when political activities are gaining momentum ahead of elections, risk creating unnecessary tension and division within an otherwise peaceful community.

“We firmly believe that religion should unite rather than divide us, and it must not be exploited to create fear, suspicion, or discord among the people. Surulere has a proud history of religious tolerance and mutual respect, and this must be preserved at all costs.

“The Council of Chief Imams and Alfas maintains a cordial and respectful relationship with all political office holders from Surulere, irrespective of their religious affiliations. We have always engaged constructively in matters that promote peace, development, and the collective well-being of our people.

“We, therefore, call on all stakeholders, including religious and political leaders, to exercise restraint, promote unity, and avoid statements or actions that could drag Surulere into needless political or religious turmoil.

“Let it be clearly stated that the peace and harmony of our community are paramount, and no individual or group should be allowed to undermine them for any reason.

“Surulere belongs to all of us — Muslims, Christians, and people of all backgrounds — and together, we must continue to build a community anchored on peace, fairness, and progress.”

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