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.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation said Muslim voters in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states should 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 experienced persistent political and institutional marginalisation despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and protection against discrimination.
Signed by MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the organisation cited Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, stating that freedom of religion and protection from religious discrimination are fundamental rights that should be reflected in governance and public administration.
According to MPAC, appointments made by South-West state governments after the 2023 general elections demonstrate what it described as a regional pattern of underrepresentation of Muslims in state cabinets and other public offices.
The group listed figures for commissioner appointments across the six states, claiming that Christians significantly outnumbered Muslims in executive appointments despite the demographic strength of Muslim communities in the region.
Beyond cabinet appointments, MPAC alleged that Muslims have also been underrepresented in appointments to boards, parastatals, judicial positions and the conferment of traditional and civic honours.
The organisation also raised concerns over what it described as official resistance to voluntary Shariah civil arbitration panels in some South-West states. It argued that the panels, which resolve civil disputes among consenting Muslims without criminal jurisdiction, have operated peacefully for years but have recently faced government opposition in states such as Oyo and Ekiti.
MPAC contended that such opposition contrasts with the acceptance of church-based mediation and arbitration mechanisms, which it said perform similar functions.
On religious infrastructure, the organisation alleged that Muslim communities often encounter difficulties obtaining approval for mosque construction and land allocation, particularly in some residential estates and local government areas, while churches face fewer obstacles.
The statement also revisited legal disputes involving the use of the hijab in public educational institutions. MPAC 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.
According to the organisation, despite favourable court judgments, many Muslim women and girls continue to experience discrimination because of the hijab. It cited findings from its 2026 research, claiming that about four out of every five Muslim women who wear the hijab reported experiencing discrimination, while most incidents go unreported.
MPAC further criticised what it described as a reliance by governments 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.
The organisation outlined six key commitments it wants governorship candidates to adopt. These include proportional representation of Muslims in 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.
MPAC said it would embark on a voter education and advocacy campaign before the elections to encourage Muslim voters to evaluate candidates based on documented records and measurable commitments.
While stressing that it does not endorse any political party, the organisation said Muslim voters should support only candidates who demonstrate a commitment to fairness, inclusion and religious freedom.