NIGERIA AT 66: MURIC URGES UNITY, JUSTICE, PEACE AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called on Nigerians to promote peace, justice, unity and responsible citizenship as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and signed by the organisation’s General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC described independence as more than a historical milestone, stressing that it comes with a responsibility on every generation to preserve the nation’s unity, sovereignty and democratic values.

The group congratulated the Federal Government and Nigerians on the anniversary while urging governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare, security and dignity of citizens.

MURIC also called on political leaders and public officials to treat public office as a trust and discharge their responsibilities with accountability, fairness and compassion.

With Nigeria gradually approaching the 2027 general elections, the organisation urged political parties, aspirants, candidates and their supporters to embrace democratic maturity and avoid actions capable of undermining peace and national cohesion.

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

The group warned against turning the electoral season into a period of hatred, violence, intimidation and destruction, stressing that political disagreements should not be allowed to destroy relationships or threaten national unity.

“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 organisation said.

MURIC urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities within the law and called on security agencies, electoral authorities, the media, religious leaders, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to contribute to a peaceful and credible democratic process.

The organisation also appealed to Nigerians to reject hate speech, religious incitement, ethnic provocation, fake news and inflammatory propaganda.

It stressed the importance of allowing eligible citizens to freely choose their leaders, insisting that votes should be respected and disputes arising from elections handled through lawful and constitutional channels.

Quoting Qur’an 4:135, which calls on believers to “stand firmly for justice,” MURIC said the principle of justice should guide personal conduct, governance, elections and national affairs.

The group further emphasised that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity, region, political affiliation or social background.

“We may differ in our beliefs and political choices, but our shared homeland must remain greater than our differences,” it said.

MURIC also urged the government to continue addressing the concerns of citizens through policies aimed at improving economic opportunities, security, social justice and national cohesion.

The organisation commended Nigerians for their resilience and continued faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges facing the country.

As the nation marks 66 years of independence, MURIC called for collective responsibility among government, political leaders, citizens, security agencies and electoral stakeholders.

“Let government govern responsibly. Let leaders lead with justice. Let citizens act responsibly. Let political parties compete peacefully. Let security agencies remain professional and impartial. Let the electoral process be respected. And let the votes of the people speak,” the statement said.

MURIC concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, justice, prosperity and unity in the country.