The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of seeking Muslim votes for his presidential ambition despite what it described as his record of alleged discrimination against Muslims in the state.
The Islamic human rights organisation warned Nigerian Muslims against supporting Makinde, alleging that he could use their votes to advance his political ambition and subsequently undermine their religious rights if elected president.
Sequel to a statement signed by Professor Ishaq Akintola, Founder and Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern.
MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, made the allegations in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following Makinde’s reported entry into the presidential race under the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
Akintola said the organisation was concerned that Makinde was campaigning for the support of Northern Muslims while allegedly failing to protect the religious rights of Muslims in Oyo State.
According to him, the governor’s administration has subjected Muslims in the state to political marginalisation, economic deprivation and religious persecution.
He cited the demolition of Olore Mosque and Adogba Central Mosque in Ibadan in October 2019, alleging that the demolitions occurred despite appeals from Islamic organisations and Muslim leaders.
The MURIC director also faulted the relocation of the rebuilt Adogba Central Mosque from its former strategic location at Iwo Road to a less prominent neighbourhood, as well as the alleged inscription of Makinde’s name on the mosque as its benefactor.
He questioned whether the reconstruction was funded personally by the governor or with public funds, describing the matter as requiring clarification.
Akintola further accused the Makinde administration of allowing Muslim students and teachers to be pressured into participating in Christian Christmas carol activities in schools.
He also alleged that Muslim students were compelled to attend Christian evangelistic crusades organised in public schools under the governor’s administration.
On political appointments, MURIC claimed that Makinde appointed five Muslim commissioners compared with 11 Christians, while only one Muslim was appointed as a board chairman against five Christians.
The organisation also recalled an earlier disagreement between the governor and its leadership, alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) summoned Akintola after MURIC challenged the administration over issues affecting Muslim students.
Akintola maintained that the incidents raised concerns about how the governor would treat religious minorities and Muslims across the country if elected president.
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He urged Nigerian Muslims not to be swayed by Makinde’s campaign outreach, warning that the governor’s current appeal for their support contradicted what the organisation described as his record in Oyo State.
MURIC therefore called on Muslims across the country to scrutinise the governor’s record on religious freedom, political representation and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights before deciding whether to support his presidential ambition.
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