The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has urged Muslim voters in Osun State to participate actively in the state’s governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, describing voting as a sacred trust, or amanah, that should be exercised with conscience and concern for the common good.
In a statement issued ahead of the election, MPAC called on eligible Muslim voters across the state’s 30 local government areas to turn out in large numbers and vote freely, without being influenced by money, fear, tribal considerations or personal interests.
Signed by Disu Kamor, Executive Chairman of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, the organisation said the Qur’an requires believers to uphold trusts and administer justice, arguing that voting for the wrong reasons at the expense of competence and public interest amounts to a betrayal of that trust.
MPAC also cautioned against voter apathy, saying that abstaining from the electoral process because of cynicism, fear or indifference could equally weaken the community’s political voice.
The group linked its appeal to what it described as its longstanding campaign for greater political participation and representation of Muslims, particularly in South-West Nigeria.
Earlier in the year, MPAC published a report titled “A Fair Deal or None: MPAC’s Demands to Governorship Candidates in South-West Nigeria on the Treatment of Muslims.” According to the organisation, the report highlighted concerns over Muslim representation in executive appointments, access to mosque land, Shari’ah-compliant arbitration and restrictions relating to the wearing of hijab.
MPAC argued that equitable political representation should be pursued through greater political organisation, voter participation and accountability.
The organisation also expressed concern about the absence of a Muslim governor in any of the South-West states, arguing that the situation limits Muslim representation in regional political decision-making.
“Representation follows participation,” MPAC said, urging Muslims in Osun State to use the August 15 election as an opportunity to influence the direction of governance in the state.
The group further raised concerns about vote buying and vote selling, describing the practices as threats to the integrity of elections.
It urged voters not to exchange their votes for money or other inducements, arguing that short-term financial gains could have long-term consequences for public services, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and security.
MPAC also called on politicians and their agents to desist from vote buying and other forms of electoral inducement, urging candidates to compete on the basis of their records, policies, vision and character.
The organisation appealed to political parties and their supporters to reject violence, thuggery and intimidation before, during and after the election.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and civil society observers to remain professional, impartial and vigilant in protecting voters and ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
Among its specific recommendations, MPAC urged Muslims with outstanding voter registration requirements to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and verify their polling units ahead of election day.
The organisation also called on Muslim clerics, community leaders and mosque committees to use Friday sermons and community platforms to educate voters about political participation and the prohibition of vote buying, vote selling and electoral violence.
MPAC further urged all governorship candidates to campaign on issues and commit to inclusive governance, while asking candidates to accept the outcome of a free and fair election in good faith.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the Osun governorship election and speak out on issues it believes could affect the rights, security and political interests of Muslims in Osun State and the wider South-West.
The statement was signed by Disu Kamor, Executive Chairman of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria.