Osun State election: MURIC accuses INEC of denying hijab-wearing women votes

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of widespread disenfranchisement during the Osun State governorship election held on August 15, 2026. The organization alleges that thousands of Muslim women wearing hijabs were prevented from voting across various parts of the state.

MURIC described the incidents as acts of “targeted coercion, humiliation and disenfranchisement,” claiming that some women were only permitted to vote after they removed their hijabs. The group attributed these actions to a failure by INEC leadership to properly train election officials on religious freedom.

In response to these allegations, MURIC has called for the removal of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan. The organization claims to possess video evidence of the incidents and warned that such intimidation could impact future elections, including the 2027 general elections.