The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately preventing thousands of hijab-wearing Muslim women from voting in the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026. In a statement released on Sunday, August 16, 2026, MURIC's executive director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, called for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, alleging that the disenfranchisement was widespread and targeted.
MURIC Details Widespread Voting Restrictions
According to Akintola, the incident was not isolated but widespread across the state. He stated, "Thousands of Muslim women who wore hijab were disallowed from voting in the Osun gubernatorial election which took place yesterday, 15th August, 2026. The incident was widespread. It was targeted coercion, humiliation and disenfranchisement. A few weak and uninformed Muslim women in hijab were allowed only after surrendering by removing their hijab."
The group claims to possess video evidence of at least one hijab-clad woman who recorded her experience of being denied the right to vote solely because of her attire. MURIC described the actions as a violation of constitutionally guaranteed rights and an infringement on the fundamental human rights of Muslim women.
MURIC Blames INEC Chairman, Alleges Bias
MURIC directed its criticism at INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing him of failing to properly train both regular and ad hoc electoral staff on religious freedom. The group also alleged that Amupitan had previously been linked to a controversy involving an 80-page legal brief connected to what MURIC described as a "Christian genocide scandal."
Akintola reiterated the call for Amupitan's removal, stating, "MURIC reiterates its call for the removal of Professor Joash Amupitan as head of INEC. We contend that the intimidation of Muslim women in hijab during yesterday's election in Osun state had a direct impact on the outcome of the election."
MURIC Warns of 2027 Disenfranchisement
MURIC went further to put the federal government on notice, warning that INEC under Amupitan's leadership is laying the groundwork for broader disenfranchisement of Muslim voters in the 2027 general elections. The statement read, "We therefore alert the Federal Government over such plans by Amupitan and his team of Muslim haters. Nobody should blame Muslims if they react to the stripping of their women in public in future elections. No civilised society should encourage the public humiliation of women."
Akintola's statement was obtained by Legit.ng, which reported that President Bola Tinubu's special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier confirmed that President Tinubu placed a personal call to Governor Ademola Adeleke to congratulate him on the election outcome. Tinubu urged Adeleke to prioritise unity and work toward the economic and social development of the state, irrespective of how residents voted.
