A fresh debate over religion and politics has emerged in the South West as the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) declared that Muslims in the region may boycott political parties that fail to field Muslim candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The group, in a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said political parties must present Muslim candidates for key positions if they expect to receive support from Muslim voters.
MURIC specifically called for the emergence of Muslim governors in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states. It also demanded that Muslims be given the position of deputy governor in Ekiti and Ondo states.
According to the group, this demand is about fairness and inclusive governance, not division.
“Any political party which fails to present a Muslim as its gubernatorial candidate should forget about Muslim votes,” the statement said.
The group argued that Muslims have been sidelined in the political leadership of the South West since the 2023 elections. It claimed that all the current governors in the region are Christians, leaving Muslims without representation at the highest level of state leadership.
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a Christian. The same applies to Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State, Seyi Makinde in Oyo State, and Ademola Adeleke in Osun State.
In addition, Ekiti State and Ondo State are also led by Christian governors.
MURIC said this situation has created what it described as “political imbalance” in the region, despite the large population of Muslims among the Yoruba people.
The group went further to accuse state governments of unfair distribution of political appointments. It alleged that most commissioner positions and other key appointments have gone to Christians, leaving Muslims with fewer opportunities.
According to the statement, this imbalance has wider effects beyond politics. It said access to government jobs, contracts, social benefits and other opportunities often depends on who holds power.
“Employment, access to government interventions and other benefits come from those in authority,” the group said. “The more representation a group has, the better its chances.”
MURIC also raised concerns about the selection of traditional rulers, claiming that some governors have used their influence to install Christian leaders in areas with significant Muslim populations.
The group described these actions as marginalisation and warned that Muslims in the South West are no longer willing to accept the situation.
Despite its strong position, MURIC said Muslims in the region have remained peaceful and patient. It noted that instead of resorting to violence, they are choosing to use the democratic process to express their concerns.
The group described the 2027 general elections as an opportunity for change.
“Muslims have waited patiently. The next election provides the chance to correct the imbalance,” the statement said.
MURIC also rejected claims that political parties struggle to find qualified Muslim candidates. It insisted that there are many capable Muslims across the region who can lead effectively if given the opportunity.
“There are qualified Muslims everywhere. Any party that is serious can find competent candidates,” the group added.
The statement has already sparked reactions among political observers, who say it highlights the growing role of religion in Nigeria’s political space.
Nigeria is a multi-religious country, with Islam and Christianity as the two dominant faiths. While the South West is often seen as more tolerant compared to other regions, religion still plays an important role in politics, especially during elections.
In the past, political parties have tried to balance religious and ethnic interests when selecting candidates. This is often seen in the choice of presidential and vice-presidential tickets, as well as governorship and deputy governorship positions.
However, calls like this from interest groups can increase tension and put pressure on political parties as they prepare for elections.
Some analysts warn that such demands could deepen divisions if not handled carefully. They argue that leadership should be based on competence and performance rather than religion alone.
Others, however, say the statement reflects genuine concerns about representation and fairness, especially in a diverse society like Nigeria.
As political activities gradually build up ahead of 2027, parties are expected to begin consultations and internal arrangements that will determine their candidates.
The position taken by MURIC may influence these discussions, particularly in the South West where the group has a strong voice among Muslim communities.
So far, there has been no official response from major political parties or the affected state governments.
For many Nigerians, the development is a reminder of the complex relationship between religion and politics in the country.
While democracy allows different groups to express their views and demands, there are also concerns about maintaining unity and avoiding divisions along religious lines.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, issues like representation, fairness and inclusion are likely to remain at the centre of political debates.
Whether political parties will respond to MURIC’s demands or chart a different course remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the road to 2027 is already taking shape, and the conversation around religion and leadership in the South West has begun in earnest.