The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, justice and responsible citizenship as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, warning political actors against violence, intimidation and divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an Independence Day statement issued on October 1, 2026, the organisation urged governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare, security and dignity of citizens, while calling on political leaders and public officials to discharge their responsibilities with accountability, fairness and compassion.
The statement, signed by Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary of MURIC in Oyo State, described independence as more than a historical milestone, noting that it imposes a continuing responsibility on successive generations to preserve national unity, protect the country’s sovereignty and promote justice.
MURIC observed that Nigeria’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, urging citizens to embrace mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, the organisation appealed to political parties, aspirants, candidates and their supporters to demonstrate democratic maturity and conduct their activities within the confines of the law.
It noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would hold on March 6, 2027.
According to the organisation, political competition must not degenerate into hatred, violence, intimidation or destruction, stressing that no political ambition should be allowed to undermine relationships, communities or national unity.
“No political contest is worth the blood of a Nigerian,” the statement declared, warned that political differences should never become a justification for violence.
The organisation also called on security agencies, electoral authorities, the media, religious leaders, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to play their respective roles in safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring peaceful participation.
Emphasising the importance of electoral integrity, MURIC urged authorities to guarantee eligible citizens the freedom to make their choices without coercion, adding that the ballot must be respected and electoral disputes handled through lawful and constitutional channels.
It further urged Nigerians to reject hate speech, religious incitement, ethnic provocation, fake news and inflammatory propaganda, insisting that citizens must learn to disagree politically without becoming enemies.
To reinforce its call for justice, the organisation cited Qur’an 4:135, which enjoins believers to stand firmly for justice, even when doing so goes against their personal interests or those of their relatives.
MURIC maintained that the principle of justice should guide not only personal conduct but also governance, elections and national affairs.
The group stressed that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, geographical locations or political affiliations, adding that the country’s shared identity must remain greater than individual differences.
It also urged the Federal Government to address the legitimate concerns of citizens through policies that promote economic opportunities, security, social justice and national cohesion.
While commending Nigerians for their resilience and continued faith in the country’s future despite prevailing challenges, MURIC called for renewed patriotism beyond Independence Day celebrations and political slogans.
The organisation said building a nation where justice is impartial, security is accessible to all and citizens can pursue their aspirations without fear requires the collective commitment of government, political leaders and the general public.
It concluded with a prayer for Allah to bless Nigeria, protect its people, grant wisdom to its leaders, strengthen democracy and guide the country towards lasting peace, justice, prosperity and unity.
