The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, has asserted that it sought the support of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to rally Northern backing for the presidential bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
MURIC claims that forces that opposed El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination in the current administration also hindered its mission to uplift Yoruba Muslims, citing issues such as economic hardship, political marginalization, and social exclusion. The organization has now urged President Tinubu to facilitate a constructive dialogue between himself and the former governor.
In a recent statement, MURIC detailed its stance: “The unfolding political scenario necessitates that we clarify our position regarding the involvement of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in the political landscape leading up to the 2023 presidential election. Our Executive Director, alongside a delegation of Islamic scholars, engaged with the former governor to request his assistance in mobilizing the North in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Given El-Rufai’s influence in the region, we considered him instrumental in our outreach strategy.”
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The group emphasized that its broader agenda included ensuring that a Yoruba Muslim assumed the presidency to counter what it describes as the historical suppression of Yoruba Muslims by a Christian elite. “Our primary objective was achieved with Tinubu’s victory. However, the concerted efforts that blocked El-Rufai from securing a ministerial role have simultaneously hampered our mission to advance the interests of Yoruba Muslims,” the statement added.
MURIC further alleged that these forces have maintained barriers that prevent Yoruba Muslims from overcoming long-standing disadvantages in education, politics, and economic advancement. “While political inclusion remains the key to broader reforms, the current administration has seen increased marginalization. Those who orchestrated El-Rufai’s exclusion have ensured that President Tinubu does not receive the names of truly practicing Yoruba Muslims for political appointments,” it stated.
According to MURIC, individuals falsely presenting themselves as Muslims have occupied positions meant for genuine adherents. “Some Yoruba Christians are assuming Muslim identities to secure political roles, denying authentic Yoruba Muslims their rightful representation. This amounts to religious impersonation and political manipulation.”
The organization lamented the lack of access to the presidency and the absence of established connections with any government ministers. “Despite our significant role in mobilizing the North and legally challenging the controversial naira redesign, which was designed to obstruct Tinubu’s presidential aspirations, we find ourselves sidelined,” the statement read.
As a resolution, MURIC has called on President Tinubu to mend fences with El-Rufai and counter the influences that are purportedly widening the rift between them. “We urge Mr. President to foster an environment that enables direct engagement with El-Rufai. It is evident that a particular caucus is determined to create division, and this must be addressed.”
The organization also advised Tinubu to implement a more thorough vetting process when selecting Muslim representatives for key roles. “Verification through the appropriate channels is essential to curb identity theft and ensure that deserving Muslims are granted opportunities to contribute to national development,” it concluded.
