Excluding El-Rufai from cabinet weakened Yoruba Muslim political representation – MURIC

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed concern that the exclusion of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet has negatively impacted Yoruba Muslims’ presence in government.

In a statement issued on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, claimed that certain political figures deliberately obstructed El-Rufai’s ministerial appointment.

According to him, this action disrupted efforts to address the socio-economic and political disadvantages faced by Yoruba Muslims.

“The individuals who worked against El-Rufai’s ministerial bid also undermined our mission to empower Yoruba Muslims,” Akintola asserted.

He further accused these elements of blocking the appointment of qualified Yoruba Muslims to key government positions, deepening their marginalization.

“Their actions have sustained educational setbacks, economic hardship, and political exclusion among Yoruba Muslims,” he added.

MURIC also alleged that some individuals had infiltrated the political system by disguising as Muslims while holding Christian beliefs to gain government positions.

“This is deceptive and has long been a strategy used by those willing to employ any means to achieve their ambitions,” Akintola stated.

The group lamented the absence of direct engagement between Yoruba Muslim organizations and the presidency, emphasizing that no key government official was advocating for their interests.

“Currently, MURIC and other Islamic organizations in the South West have no meaningful access to the presidency. We have been completely sidelined,” he said.

MURIC urged Tinubu to mend his relationship with El-Rufai, acknowledging the former governor’s contributions to his election victory.

“El-Rufai played a vital role in securing Northern support for Tinubu’s presidency. Efforts should be made to close the gap between them,” the statement read.

The organization also called on the president to implement a more transparent selection process for government appointments, ensuring that authentic Yoruba Muslims are not overlooked.

“A thorough verification process will help curb identity fraud and ensure qualified Muslims are appointed based on merit,” MURIC concluded.