MURIC Accuses INEC of Disenfranchising Hijab-Wearing Women in Osun Election
By OUR REPORTER
According to Akintola, some women were allegedly allowed to vote only after removing their hijab, describing the development as “targeted coercion, humiliation and disenfranchisement.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of disenfranchising Muslim women who wore hijab during the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 16, MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, alleged that thousands of Muslim women were prevented from voting at various polling units because they wore hijab.
According to Akintola, some women were allegedly allowed to vote only after removing their hijab, describing the development as “targeted coercion, humiliation and disenfranchisement.”
MURIC attributed the alleged incidents to what it described as inadequate training and instructions for INEC’s regular and ad hoc personnel on religious freedom and the rights of voters.
“We strongly condemn this massive disenfranchisement,” Akintola said, adding that the organisation had obtained video evidence of at least one Muslim woman who complained that she was prevented from voting because of her hijab.
MURIC also renewed its call for the removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, alleging that the treatment of hijab-wearing women could have affected the outcome of the Osun election.
The organisation further warned that similar incidents could occur during the 2027 general elections if, according to it, appropriate measures were not taken.
MURIC called on the Federal Government to investigate the allegations and ensure that Muslim women are not subjected to discrimination or humiliation because of their religious attire during future elections.
The organisation maintained that freedom of religion and the right to vote are fundamental rights that should be protected regardless of a voter’s religious identity.
INEC had not, as of the time of the statement, publicly responded to MURIC’s allegations.
