The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has declared that political parties seeking support from Muslims in Nigeria’s South-West must field Muslim candidates in the 2027 general elections or risk losing their votes.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said the call was rooted in what he described as persistent political marginalisation of Muslims across the region.
MURIC specifically demanded that Muslim governors should emerge in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, while Muslims should be considered for deputy governorship positions in Ekiti and Ondo states. According to the group, this arrangement reflects what it termed “inclusive governance.”
The organisation alleged that since 2023, political leadership in the South-West has been dominated by Christian governors, leaving Muslims without adequate representation. It argued that the imbalance extends to appointments, claiming that the distribution of commissioner roles and other key government positions across the region has disproportionately favoured Christians.
MURIC further contended that such disparities have had broader socio-economic implications, including limited access for Muslims to employment opportunities, government interventions, and other benefits tied to political influence.
The group also raised concerns over alleged imposition of traditional rulers along religious lines, describing the trend as part of a wider pattern of exclusion.
While emphasising its commitment to peaceful advocacy, MURIC said Muslims in the region have chosen to channel their grievances through democratic means, particularly the ballot box in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
It stressed that the position is not an endorsement of any political party or candidate but a clear message that parties must present Muslim candidates to secure Muslim votes.
“Any political party which fails to present a Muslim as its gubernatorial candidate should kiss Muslim votes goodbye,” the statement read.
MURIC dismissed claims that qualified Muslim candidates are scarce, insisting that competent individuals are readily available across the South-West and Nigeria at large.
The group concluded by reiterating its stance with the slogan: “No Muslim Candidate, No Vote,” signaled what may shape political calculations in the region ahead of the next electoral cycle.
