Nigeria at 66: MURIC Urges Unity, Peace, Justice Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigeria at 66: MURIC Urges Unity, Peace, Justice Ahead of 2027 Elections

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

MURIC, in an Independence Day statement signed by its General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, urged governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare, security and dignity of citizens while encouraging political leaders to treat public office as a trust.

The group said Nigeria’s independence should not be viewed merely as a historical milestone but as a continuing responsibility requiring every generation to protect the country’s unity and sovereignty, promote justice and build a society where citizens can live with dignity and hope.

It also called for greater tolerance and peaceful coexistence, saying Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity should be regarded as a strength rather than a source of division.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, MURIC urged political parties, aspirants, candidates and their supporters to demonstrate democratic maturity and conduct their activities within the law.

The group warned against turning elections into periods of hatred, violence, intimidation and destruction, stressing that no political ambition was worth the life of any Nigerian.

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According to MURIC, political differences should not be allowed to destroy relationships among families, neighbours and communities, while disagreements over political choices should be resolved through lawful and constitutional processes.

The organisation also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, religious and traditional institutions, as well as civil society organisations, to play their respective roles in protecting the electoral process and encouraging peaceful participation.

MURIC stressed the importance of allowing eligible Nigerians to vote freely and peacefully, saying the ballot must be respected and the outcome of a properly conducted election handled through lawful means.

It urged citizens to reject hate speech, religious incitement, ethnic provocation, fake news and inflammatory propaganda, while encouraging Nigerians to disagree politically without becoming enemies.

Quoting the Qur’an, MURIC said: “O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your relatives.”

The group said the principle of justice should guide not only individual conduct but also governance, elections and national affairs.

MURIC further appealed to Nigerians to see the country as a shared national project, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, region, political persuasion or social background.

It called for a Nigeria where justice is not selective, security is not treated as a privilege and citizens can pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear.

The group also urged the government to listen to legitimate concerns raised by citizens and pursue policies capable of improving economic opportunities, security, social justice and national cohesion.

MURIC commended Nigerians for their resilience, hope and continued faith in the country despite the challenges confronting the nation.

The organisation said the responsibility for Nigeria’s future rested not only with government but with every citizen, calling on leaders to govern responsibly, political parties to compete peacefully, security agencies to remain professional and impartial, and citizens to act responsibly.

“Let the electoral process be respected. And let the votes of the people speak,” MURIC said.

The group concluded by praying for continued peace, justice, prosperity and unity in Nigeria and wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.

Nigeria at 66: MURIC Urges Unity, Peace, Justice Ahead of 2027 Elections