MURIC: El-Rufai Gave South Presidency, Deserves Fair Treatment
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for what it described as fair and just treatment for former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that he played a decisive role in the emergence of a southern president in 2023.
In a statement issued on Monday in Lagos, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said El-Rufai’s political contributions were instrumental in securing northern support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last general election.
MURIC claimed that its advocacy for a Yoruba Muslim presidency dates back to 2021 and involved strategic engagements with northern political actors, including El-Rufai, whom it described as a key mobiliser.
According to the group, El-Rufai’s endorsement of Tinubu and his role within the northern governors’ bloc helped consolidate support for the eventual president, particularly amid internal party dynamics that initially favoured retaining power in the North.
The organisation further argued that El-Rufai demonstrated political courage by supporting a power shift to the South and opposing certain federal policies at the time, including the controversial naira redesign.
MURIC also referenced what it described as public evidence of Tinubu inviting El-Rufai to join his government during the campaign period, suggesting that the former governor was a visible and active ally.
While acknowledging the ongoing legal issues involving El-Rufai, the group maintained that the matter is not purely judicial but also political in nature.
It warned against what it termed selective justice, noting that other politicians facing legal challenges remain free.
“MURIC cannot, in good conscience, remain silent while El-Rufai remains behind bars,” the statement said, adding that the group takes responsibility for mobilising support that brought him into the political process.
The group concluded that, in its view, El-Rufai “gave southerners the presidency” and should not be subjected to what it considers unfair treatment.
El-Rufai is currently facing legal challenges, although details of the charges and court proceedings remain the subject of ongoing public and legal scrutiny.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
