The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a strong warning to political parties in Nigeria’s South-West, insisting that only parties that field Muslim governorship candidates in 2027 will earn the support of Muslim voters in the region.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s executive director, Ishaq Akintola, declared that Muslims must be given top political consideration across key states, particularly Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun.
MURIC also demanded that Muslim candidates be considered for deputy governorship positions in Ekiti and Ondo states.
“South West Muslims are saying any political party that fails to present a Muslim as its gubernatorial candidate should kiss Muslim votes goodbye,” the statement reads.
Framing its demand as a call for fairness and inclusion, the group argued that Muslims in the region have been politically marginalised in recent years, especially in the distribution of key government appointments.
“Although Muslims constitute the majority in Yorubaland, the political leadership space of the region has been hijacked by Yoruba Christians since 2023. No single space was left for Yoruba Muslims,” Akintola said.
Backing its claims with figures, MURIC alleged a lopsided allocation of commissioner positions across South-West states.
“In Lagos, Sanwo-Olu gave Christians 43 commissioner posts, but he conceded a meager 14 to Muslims. Ondo gave Christians 15 against only 2 Muslims, while Christians took 24 in Ekiti. The Muslims had only one commissioner there.”
The group further claimed that the imbalance has affected the socio-economic prospects of Muslims, limiting their access to opportunities and benefits tied to governance.
It added that Muslim communities have exercised restraint over the years but are now prepared to respond politically.
“The 2027 general election provides the right opportunity to vent their spleen. They have taken a position,” it said.
Maintaining its stance, MURIC issued a blunt ultimatum to political actors across the region.
“We therefore find it necessary to reiterate our position: ‘No Muslim Candidate in the South West, No Vote.’”
