Muslim leaders adamantly oppose such a move, arguing that Africa's most populous nation would lose valuable economic advantages. Neither Christians nor Muslims can point to specific examples of how membership in the OIC has helped or hurt Nigeria. Opposition to the OIC has been characterized as a psychological battle between Muslims and Christians and comes at a time when the introduction of Islamic law in some northern states has increased religious tension in the country.
Christians are opposed to Sharia, arguing that it violates the country's secular constitution.
The group maintains that it is wrong for Nigeria, which is nearly evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, to belong to an Islamic organization. OIC was established in 1969 at a meeting of 24 Islamic heads of state in Morocco after mosques in Jerusalem were burned. Members primarily are Islamic nations in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The organization's main objective is to promote solidarity and cooperation among member states in economic, social, cultural, scientific, and other activities. Nigeria had held observer's status since 1969 with Islamic leaders representing the country at OIC meetings.