The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, following his emergence as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation also felicitated with candidates who emerged victorious in various primary elections across political parties and levels of contest.
MURIC described Hamzat’s victory as a reflection of competence, dedication and acceptance within the party, noted that he successfully passed through what it termed “rigorous screening” before clinching the APC ticket.
The group commended party leaders and Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing Hamzat’s candidature, expressed optimism that the victory would be replicated during the 2027 general elections.
According to the organisation, the emergence of Hamzat further reinforced its long-held position that Muslims possess the expertise and leadership capacity required to occupy strategic public offices in the country.
MURIC argued that competent Muslims abound in different sectors and should be given equal consideration for positions such as governors, lawmakers, ministers, commissioners and heads of government agencies.
The organisation stressed that while it is not opposed to Christians emerging as leaders, monopoly of public offices by any religious group should be discouraged in the interest of fairness and inclusion.
Citing examples of accomplished Muslim public officials, MURIC praised former JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, for what it described as his outstanding achievements at the examination body, while also commending former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ibrahim Ali Isa Pantami, for laying a strong foundation in Nigeria’s digital economy sector.
The group maintained that the performances of both men demonstrated the competence and excellence of Muslims in public service.
