In a statement issued on behalf of the committee on Thursday, the group said the purported endorsement did not emanate from the recognized leadership of the Arewa Community and should not be interpreted as reflecting the political stance of non-indigenes resident in the state.
The Co-Chairman of the Non-Indigenes Mobilization Committee and former Senior Special Assistant on Non-Indigenes, Alhaji Umar Mohammad, said the declaration was made by a limited group of Fulani residents and could not be regarded as the position of the wider Hausa/Fulani population in Osun State.
The statement reads:”The attention of the Non-Indigenes Mobilization Committee of the Osun State 2026 APC Governorship Campaign Council has been drawn to reports circulating in certain quarters purporting that the Arewa Community in Osun State has endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office.
“We consider it necessary to set the record straight and unequivocally state that such claims are misleading, deceptive, and do not in any way represent the collective position of the Arewa Community or the broader non-indigene population resident in Osun State.
“The Co-Chairman of the Non-Indigenes Mobilization Committee and former Senior Special Assistant on Non-Indigenes, Alhaji Umar Mohammad, has categorically debunked the purported endorsement, clarifying that the declaration emanated from a limited section of Fulani residents and cannot, under any circumstance, be construed as the position of the entire Arewa Community in Osun State.
“According to Alhaji Umar Mohammad, the recognized leadership structures of the Hausa/Fulani community, including the various Seriki Hausawa and established Arewa organizations across the state, were neither consulted nor involved in the said endorsement. Consequently, any attempt to present the action of a few individuals as the collective decision of the Arewa Community amounts to a gross misrepresentation of facts.
“The Non-Indigenes Mobilization Committee wishes to affirm that the overwhelming majority of the Arewa Community and non-indigene residents in Osun State remain firmly committed to and aligned with the progressive vision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).
“This support is predicated on AMBO's demonstrated capacity, inclusive leadership philosophy, developmental agenda, and unwavering commitment to building a prosperous Osun State where every resident, irrespective of ethnic origin, religion, or place of birth, enjoys equal opportunities and a sense of belonging.
“We are particularly encouraged by AMBO's commitment to fostering unity, economic growth, social harmony, and participatory governance. His vision resonates strongly with the aspirations of non-indigenes who contribute immensely to the economic and social development of Osun State.
“The Committee therefore urges members of the public, political stakeholders, and the media to disregard any narrative suggesting that the Arewa Community has collectively endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke. Such a narrative is not only false but also intended to create a misleading impression regarding the political disposition of one of the state's most significant demographic constituencies.
“We further reaffirm that the Arewa Community, alongside other non-indigene groups across Osun State, remains actively engaged in mobilizing support for the APC ticket and is prepared to play a pivotal role in securing victory for the AMBO/Kayode Adereti governorship ticket in the forthcoming August 15, 2026 gubernatorial election.
“In the coming weeks, the people of Osun State will witness an unprecedented demonstration of solidarity and support from the Arewa Community and other non-indigene groups through strategic engagements, grassroots mobilization activities, and a grand endorsement rally for the APC candidate.
“The Non-Indigenes Mobilization Committee remains steadfast in its mandate to galvanize support across all communities and ensure the emergence of a government that truly reflects the diversity, aspirations, and collective interests of all residents of Osun State”.
