The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has called on governorship candidates across South-West Nigeria to make binding commitments on religious inclusion, political representation and the protection of the constitutional rights of Muslims ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Key highlight:
- MPAC urged South-West governorship candidates to commit to protecting Muslims’ rights and ensuring fair political representation.
- The group alleged that Muslims are underrepresented in government appointments and public institutions across the region.
- MPAC raised concerns over opposition to Shariah arbitration panels, mosque approvals and continued hijab-related discrimination.
- It outlined six demands, including equitable appointments, recognition of Shariah panels and enforcement of hijab court rulings.
- MPAC announced a voter education campaign encouraging Muslims to support candidates with proven commitments to inclusion and religious freedom.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the organisation urged Muslim voters in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states to assess candidates based on their records and commitments to equity rather than campaign promises or symbolic gestures.
MPAC, which described itself as a non-partisan public service organisation focused on defending the civil, political and religious rights of Nigerian Muslims, argued that Muslims in the South-West have continued to face political and institutional marginalisation despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and protection against discrimination.
The group cited Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and protection from discrimination, saying these rights should be reflected in governance and public administration.
According to MPAC, appointments made by South-West state governments following the 2023 general elections reveal what it described as a pattern of underrepresentation of Muslims in state cabinets and other public offices.
The organisation said Christians significantly outnumber Muslims in commissioner appointments across the six states despite the demographic strength of Muslim communities in the region. It also alleged that Muslims are underrepresented in appointments to boards, parastatals, judicial positions and in the conferment of traditional and civic honours.
MPAC further expressed concern over what it described as official resistance to voluntary Shariah civil arbitration panels in some South-West states. It noted that the panels, which resolve civil disputes among consenting Muslims without exercising criminal jurisdiction, have operated peacefully for years but recently faced government opposition in states such as Oyo and Ekiti.
The organisation argued that such opposition contrasts with the acceptance of church-based mediation and arbitration mechanisms, which it said perform similar functions.
On religious infrastructure, MPAC alleged that Muslim communities often face challenges in obtaining approval for mosque construction and land allocation, particularly in some residential estates and local government areas, while churches encounter fewer obstacles.
The group also revisited legal disputes involving the use of the hijab in public educational institutions. It referenced the Supreme Court judgment affirming the right of female Muslim students in Lagos State public schools to wear the hijab, as well as subsequent court decisions involving the International School Ibadan and disputes affecting institutions associated with the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Despite those judgments, MPAC claimed many Muslim women and girls continue to experience discrimination because of the hijab. Citing findings from its 2026 research, the organisation said about four out of every five Muslim women who wear the hijab reported experiencing discrimination, with most incidents going unreported.
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The group also criticised what it described as governments’ reliance on ceremonial engagement with Muslim communities, including festive greetings and the allocation of Hajj slots, instead of addressing issues relating to representation and equal access to public institutions.
MPAC outlined six commitments it wants governorship candidates to adopt, including proportional representation of Muslims in public appointments, formal recognition of voluntary Shariah civil arbitration panels, statewide implementation of court decisions on the hijab, equitable land allocation for places of worship, equal application of planning regulations to mosques and churches, and equal official recognition for Muslim religious leaders.
The organisation said it would launch a voter education and advocacy campaign ahead of the elections to encourage Muslim voters to assess candidates based on documented records and measurable commitments.
While stressing that it does not endorse any political party, MPAC urged Muslim voters to support only candidates who demonstrate a commitment to fairness, inclusion and religious freedom.
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