The Kwara State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised calls by Christian stakeholders for the state’s governorship to be ceded to a candidate of their faith, described the demand as an “Oliver Twist mentality.”
In a press statement issued on Friday, March 20, 2026, the group’s state chairman, Barrister Taofeek Jaji, argued that while the demand may appear reasonable on the surface, applying the same logic across other states would expose inconsistencies.
Jaji questioned why similar agitation is not being encouraged in states like Ekiti and Ondo, where he claimed Muslims constituted a significant portion of the population but have not been given opportunities to occupy top political offices, including the deputy governorship.
He further noted that in Kwara, Muslims who he described as the majority have consistently supported inclusive governance by backing Christian deputy governors, a practice he said reflects political maturity and goodwill rather than weakness.
The MURIC chairman also dismissed the religious argument for leadership, insisting that electoral success is determined by voter majority and political strategy, not faith-based considerations.
“Governors are elected by voters, not appointed by churches,” he said, adding that political parties are primarily focused on winning elections rather than making symbolic gestures.
Jaji urged political actors to prioritise competence, integrity, and unity over religious considerations, warning against framing leadership as an entitlement based on faith.
He called on stakeholders to adopt a consistent approach to religious representation nationwide and allow voters to decide leadership based on merit rather than sentiment.
