* Says Muslims should be given a fair chance to emerge as next governors in affected states
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has called on political stakeholders across Southwest Nigeria to uphold justice, equity, and fairness in the selection of candidates for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections.
The group made the call at a time it described as critical, warning that “the call for justice, equity, and fairness must not be drowned by sentiments, bias, or emotional manipulation” as political parties make far-reaching decisions on their candidates.
In a jointly signed press statement by the Chairman, Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh, and the Secretary, Amb. Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, the organisation reaffirmed its position that fairness must prevail in the distribution of political leadership across the region.
The group extended the call to states including Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun, where it observed that Christian candidates have consistently emerged and dominated the political landscape, while qualified Muslims are sidelined.
The group stressed the need for a more inclusive and balanced representation that reflects the diversity of the people in the region.
“Fairness demands balance,” the statement read. “In Ogun State, where leadership is currently under a Christian governor, justice and equity require that a Muslim should be given the opportunity to be the next governor. This is not a demand born out of bias, but a call for inclusiveness and equal representation.”
MURIC also cited Lagos State, noting that following the tenure of Babatunde Raji Fashola, the state has experienced over a decade of Christian leadership.
“True fairness dictates that Muslims should now be given the chance to lead for the next phase of governance,” the group stated.
Similarly, it called for reflection in Oyo State, asserting that as the 2027 elections approach, it would be just and equitable to give Muslims a fair opportunity to occupy the governorship seat.
The organisation, however, decried what it described as attempts to misrepresent its advocacy.
“It is both unfortunate and misleading that calls for fairness are often twisted into narratives of division or political sponsorship,” it said, adding that it is not sponsored by any politician or political machinery.
“We are not enemies of the government. We are not enemies of our Christian brothers and sisters. What we stand for is simple and universal: justice, fairness, and peaceful coexistence.”
MURIC emphasised that its position is not rooted in religious bias but in the pursuit of inclusive governance and societal balance.
“This is not about religion; it is about humanity. It is about building a society where no group feels marginalised, overlooked, or silenced,” the statement added.
The group further warned that a nation that fails to recognise the rights of all its people cannot achieve meaningful progress.
“Where there is no justice, there can be no peace. And where there is no peace, development becomes nothing but an illusion,” it said.
MURIC therefore urged political stakeholders, party leaders, and citizens across Southwest Nigeria to rise above sentiments and manipulation, and allow fairness, justice, and equity to guide decisions ahead of the elections.
“Only then can we build a society where every citizen, regardless of belief, feels seen, valued, and represented,” the statement concluded.
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