Against position in certain quarters, Governor Abdulfatah-Ahmed of Kwara State has said 2015 election is a contest between competence and incompetence and not a contest of religion.

Speaking at a Maolud Nabiyy celebration in Ilorin, at the weekend, Governor Ahmed advised adherents of Islam and Christianity to see themselves as brothers and sisters, in emulation of Prophet Mohammed.

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Abdul Kayode Issa, advised against fanning embers of religion, saying "the forthcoming election is not a contest of religion, but a contest between competence and incompetence."

"We must follow the teachings of the prophet to be kind and patient, not only to fellow Muslims but to our non-Muslim counterparts, including those who are hostile to us."

The governor also said peaceful and successful conduct of the forthcoming election remained the greatest challenge of 2015, adding that so is the management of the post-election issues.

"We must, therefore, fulfil, our civic responsibility by voting wisely and conducting ourselves with decorum," he said.

He commended the emir and his chiefs for their fatherly love and support in his almost four years of administration.

"My gratitude also goes to our Ulamah and the entire Muslim ummah for their love, support and prayers. To you all I say Jazakum llahu Haeran.

"While congratulating all Muslims once again on this occasion, I pledge my commitment to serve you in our quest to delivering the dividends of democracy."

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, stressed the need for people to eschew violence during the election, to preserve the peace and harmony the state is predominantly noted for.

Also speaking, the deputy governorship candidate of PDP, , Ahmed Yinka Aluko, urged the people to emulate the teachings of Prophet Mohammed by living in peace with one another.