The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a faith-based rights advocacy organization, has declared that the South West region of Nigeria is ripe for Muslim governors. The group noted that for the past six years, all six governors in the region have been Christians, creating what it described as a clear case of religious imbalance.
In a press statement issued on Monday, 25th August 2025, and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC urged political parties in the region to address this imbalance as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“With the exception of Osun and Ekiti, gubernatorial elections will take place in the South West in 2027. Ekiti will hold its election in July 2026 while that of Osun State is scheduled for August 2026,” the statement read.
According to MURIC, the absence of Muslim governors in the region has led to a disconnect between state governments and the Muslim populace, as well as the exclusion of Muslims from both executive and administrative levels of governance.
“This situation undermines the principles of democracy, particularly participation and inclusion. There can be no genuine democratic practice where a large section of the population is excluded from governance,” the group stated.
MURIC therefore advised political parties to ensure inclusivity in the forthcoming elections.
“We strongly urge political parties in the South West to field Muslim candidates in the gubernatorial elections. Doing so will guarantee Muslim participation and secure their votes in 2027,” Professor Akintola added.
