The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a sharp response to a call for the removal of Vice President Kashim Shettima, advising the clergyman behind the demand to channel his request through the ballot box in the next general elections.
MURIC's Firm Stance on Political Tenure
In a statement released on December 2, 2025, MURIC's Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, directly addressed Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, the regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). The professor's message was clear: if the Reverend wants a change in the vice presidency, he should wait until 2027.
This rebuttal came as a reaction to recent claims made by Reverend Dachomo. The pastor had alleged that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted, a situation he linked to the fact that both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are Muslims.
The Root of the Controversy
The core of the dispute lies in Reverend Dachomo's public statement, which suggested that the country's top leadership, being of one faith, has created an environment of religious bias. This perception has fueled calls from some quarters for a restructuring of the leadership to ensure religious balance.
However, MURIC has firmly kicked against this narrative and the subsequent call for Shettima's removal. The organization's position underscores a defense of the current administration's legitimacy and the constitutional process for changing government officials.
Implications for Nigeria's Political Landscape
This exchange highlights the ongoing sensitivity around religion and governance in Nigeria. It brings to the forefront debates about representation, the secular nature of the state, and the appropriate channels for expressing political dissent.
By pointing to the 2027 elections, MURIC is emphasizing democratic and constitutional processes over what it implies are extra-judicial or premature demands for a change in government. The statement reinforces the principle that elected officials should serve their full terms unless removed through established legal mechanisms.
The public dialogue between a prominent Islamic rights organization and a Christian leader is likely to stir further discussions on interfaith relations and political stability in the nation.
