Muslim Congress urges Nigerian Muslims to register to vote ahead of 2027 elections

The Muslim Congress (TMC), an Islamic organisation based in Kwara State, used its 2026 annual lecture in Ilorin to appeal to Nigerian Muslims to acquire Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the upcoming 2027 elections. Speakers at the event urged voters to focus on the competence and character of candidates rather than tribal or sectional loyalties.

Ustadh Abdulhakeem Ishola Peleowo highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting its emphasis on food security, national security and infrastructure. He argued that Islamic teachings provide a broader framework for tackling the country’s challenges, stressing that moral and spiritual grounding among leaders is essential for effective governance.

Background

The lecture formed part of TMC’s annual programme, which traditionally addresses political, social and religious issues affecting the Muslim community. Peleowo referenced historical Islamic figures such as Umar ibn al‑Khattab to illustrate how personal transformation can lead to exemplary leadership. He also cited recent controversies involving a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor and alleged misconduct by a former chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as examples of the risks posed by leaders lacking moral integrity.

Peleowo expressed concern about the current education system, describing graduates as “half‑baked” compared with earlier generations. He identified the media and judiciary as pivotal institutions for societal rebuilding, warning that passive observation would allow deterioration to continue.

Why it matters

The call to register and vote directly targets the Muslim electorate, a significant demographic in Nigeria’s political landscape. By linking civic participation to Islamic moral principles, TMC seeks to influence voter behaviour and, consequently, the composition of elected bodies responsible for security, economic policy and social welfare. The organisation’s emphasis on rejecting tribal considerations aims to promote a more issue‑based political discourse.

What happens next

TMC’s appeal coincides with nationwide voter registration drives ahead of the 2027 general elections. The organisation has urged Muslims to complete the PVC process promptly and to engage continuously with political candidates, assessing them on accountability and competence. No specific follow‑up events were detailed beyond the lecture, but the message underscores an ongoing effort to mobilise the Muslim community for the electoral cycle.