Nigeria @ 66: MURIC calls for unity, peace, justice ahead of 2027 polls

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called for unity, peace, justice and responsible citizenship as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, urging political actors and citizens to reject violence and divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

MURIC, in an Independence Day statement signed by its General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, said the anniversary should serve as a reminder that nationhood carries responsibilities for every generation, including the preservation of national unity, protection of sovereignty and promotion of justice.

The group also urged governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare, security and dignity of citizens, while calling on public officials to treat their positions as a trust and discharge their responsibilities with accountability, fairness and compassion.

MURIC said Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity should be treated as a source of strength rather than division, stressing the need for mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

2027: MURIC warns against violence

With the country moving towards the 2027 general elections, the group urged political parties, aspirants, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace what it described as democratic maturity.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for March 6, 2027.

MURIC warned that political contests should not become a trigger for hatred, intimidation, destruction or bloodshed, stressing that political differences should not destroy relationships among families, neighbours and communities.

“No political contest is worth the blood of a Nigerian. No political ambition should be allowed to tear apart the bonds of brotherhood, neighbourhood and national unity,” the group said.

It called on political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities within the law and urged security agencies, electoral authorities, the media, religious and traditional institutions and civil society organisations to play their respective roles in protecting the democratic process.

MURIC also called for respect for the right of eligible citizens to freely choose their preferred candidates, stressing that electoral disputes should be addressed through lawful and constitutional channels.

“Let the votes of Nigerians speak,” the group said.

It further urged Nigerians to reject hate speech, religious incitement, ethnic provocation, fake news and inflammatory propaganda, saying political and ideological differences should not turn citizens into enemies.

“We must disagree without becoming enemies. We must compete without destroying one another. We must campaign without demonising our fellow citizens,” it said.

MURIC said the principles of justice should apply equally to governance, elections and other aspects of national life.

Quoting Qur’an 4:135, the organisation urged citizens and leaders to stand firmly for justice, including when doing so may conflict with personal, political or family interests.

It also reminded Nigerians that the country belongs to all citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity, region, political persuasion or social background.

“Muslims and Christians, northerners and southerners, people of different ethnic groups, political persuasions and social backgrounds are stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” MURIC said.

The group called for a form of patriotism that goes beyond Independence Day celebrations, urging Nigerians to work towards a country where justice is applied fairly, security is accessible to all citizens and legitimate aspirations can be pursued without fear.

It also urged the government to continue listening to citizens’ concerns and pursue policies capable of strengthening economic opportunities, security, social justice and national cohesion.

MURIC commended Nigerians for what it described as resilience, hope and continued faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges facing the country.

It stressed that national development could not be left to government alone, urging citizens, political parties, security agencies, religious and traditional leaders and other institutions to play their respective roles.

“The future of Nigeria is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective responsibility,” the group said.

MURIC urged government to govern responsibly, leaders to lead with justice, citizens to act responsibly, political parties to compete peacefully and security agencies to remain professional and impartial.

It also called for respect for the electoral process and peaceful resolution of political disagreements.

The organisation congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for peace, justice, prosperity and unity in the country.

“May the Almighty Allah continue to bless Nigeria, protect her people, grant wisdom to her leaders, strengthen our democracy and guide the nation towards lasting peace, justice, prosperity and unity,” it said.