The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sparked fresh controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that Muslims in Nigeria’s South-West will boycott any political party that fails to field Muslim candidates.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, accused current political leaders in the region of marginalising Muslims and monopolising power since 2023.
MURIC demanded that Muslim governors must emerge in Lagos State, Ogun State, Oyo State and Osun State, while insisting that political parties in Ekiti State and Ondo State must reserve deputy governorship positions for Muslims.
The group alleged a “systematic exclusion” of Muslims from political leadership in the South-West, claiming that Christians have dominated key positions including commissioners and board appointments. It described the situation as “ruthless marginalisation” with far-reaching economic and social consequences.
According to MURIC, access to government opportunities such as jobs, contracts, and welfare programmes has been skewed in favour of those aligned with the ruling political structure, further deepening what it called the economic disadvantage of Muslims in the region.
The organisation also dismissed claims that qualified Muslim candidates are scarce, describing such arguments as “deceitful” and “unacceptable.”
Warning of political consequences, MURIC said Muslim voters in the South-West have resolved to use the ballot to “correct the imbalance,” stressing that any party that ignores its demand should “kiss Muslim votes goodbye.”
The statement, which has already stirred debate in political circles, underscores growing religious tensions in the build-up to the 2027 elections, with analysts warning that such rhetoric could further polarise the region’s political landscape.
MURIC, however, maintained that its position is rooted in a demand for fairness and representation, insisting that its agitation remains within democratic and constitutional means.
