The Southern Nigeria Muslim Organisation (SONMO) has expressed dissatisfaction with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, over his alleged marginalization of Southern Muslims. In a statement, SONMO’s National Chairman, Imam Sheikh Salahudeen Busairi, and Director-General, Chief Dr. Haroun Ogbonnia Ajah, accused Obi of neglecting Southern Muslims in his outreach efforts.
SONMO claimed that despite their numerical strength and contributions to nation-building, Southern Muslims feel overlooked and unrecognised by Obi’s campaigns. The organization demanded greater transparency, accommodation, and meaningful engagement of Southern Muslims in Obi’s processes.
SONMO emphasized that they seek a president who cares about their children’s future, understands their struggles, and will invest in national infrastructure, security, and job creation. They urged Obi to extend his outreach efforts to Southern Muslims, as he has done with Muslim leaders in Northern Nigeria.
The organization reaffirmed their commitment to promoting good governance, economic development, and security in line with the Nigerian Muslims Ummah Political Agenda. SONMO’s statement highlights the need for inclusive politics and representation in Nigeria, particularly for marginalized groups like Southern Muslims.
