The Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs has praised Governor Monday Okpebholo’s appointments and pledged support for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Muslim leaders demanded Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers, permission for female students to wear hijab and prayer facilities for Muslim civil servants.
Their demands during a meeting with the governor have sparked reactions online, with Nigerians divided over religious education and the place of religion in public schools.
The Edo State Muslim community has presented Governor Monday Okpebholo with a list of demands, including the introduction of Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers in schools and permission for Muslim female students to wear hijab.
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The Muslim leaders also declared their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying they would not vote for another party, as discussions surrounding the 2027 general elections continue to attract attention.
What Edo Muslims told Okpebholo about APC 2027 elections
The Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs reportedly commended Okpebholo for his appointments, including the appointment of a Muslim as Secretary to the State Government.
However, the council used the opportunity to present issues affecting Muslim residents in the state, particularly in the education sector.
The Muslim leaders said more than 50 qualified Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers were available to teach students and requested that the state government consider employing them.
They also called for Muslim female students to be allowed to wear hijab in schools without restrictions.
The council further requested prayer facilities for Muslim civil servants to enable them to observe their religious obligations while at work.
In a statement attributed to the Muslim council, its political position was also made clear.
“We Want Our Children Taught Arabic And Islamic Studies, And We Want Them To Have The Right To Wear Hijab In Schools. The Muslims Will Vote For No Other But APC.”
Okpebholo responds to Muslim leaders’ demands
Governor Okpebholo reportedly promised to review the issues raised by the Muslim representatives and consider solutions that would accommodate different interests.
The discussion has also drawn attention to the debate over religious activities in public schools, with some Nigerians expressing concerns about possible changes to the education system.
While the Muslim community wants its religious and educational interests addressed, questions have emerged about how such requests could be implemented without imposing religious practices on students from other faiths.
Nigerians react to Edo Muslims’ demands
The development has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians supporting religious freedom while others questioned the demands.
@HusstleMan wrote:
“😂 Islamic study a prudent idea for them and please let them have it but please don’t spread it to everyone by force okay.
U make strong demands and I wish other faith has such strong demand will.
But wait with what is happening in the north how can someone be sentenced for converting someone”
@dunamisandy wrote:
“In 2026, some old people still have this mentality?… not all old people have wisdom though.”
@Mark_Lander9993 wrote:
“They suffer more from insecurity yet they are bothered about Muslims ruling than a good leader”
@Emmanuel C. Chijioke wrote:
“No problem
But is this a new thing?
Hasn’t it been done before now?
Didn’t it matter in the first 4yrs? Why does it need to be mentioned now?”
@WisdomReve… wrote:
“But the Muslims have been voting for Muslims since Nigeria’s return to democracy.
The times Obasanjo & Goodluck ruled Nigeria, Muslims still voted for Muslims.
If christians all vote for christians, No Muslim Muslim will rule Nigeria again.”
Watch the video here:
“We Want Our Children Taught Arabic And Islamic Studies, And We Want Them To Have The Right To Wear Hijab In Schools. The Muslims Will Vote For No Other But APC.“ — Edo State Muslim Council To Okpebholo 🚨 https://t.co/aXKSczJlxl
— The Benin Blogger (@TheBeninBlogger) October 31, 2026
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