Northern CAN, others reject Shari’ah council’s call for INEC chair’s removal

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has opposed the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) over its demand for the removal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. CAN warned against politicising religion and called for public officials to be assessed on competence and integrity rather than faith.

The SCSN, led by Sheikh Bashir Umar, had asked for Amupitan’s immediate removal and prosecution, citing a 2020 legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians. The council claimed that Amupitan’s continued tenure would threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s elections, adding that Muslims would not recognise any polls conducted under his leadership.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) later aligned with the SCSN, citing concerns over potential bias and questioning Amupitan’s past legal involvement with the ruling party during the 2023 presidential election petition. MURIC argued that retaining Amupitan could undermine confidence in the 2027 general elections.

Northern CAN, however, dismissed these calls as unjustified and politically motivated. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association questioned who was behind the campaign and cautioned against using religious platforms to target public officials.

“Expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public office,” the statement said. Northern CAN highlighted that previous INEC chairmen from northern Nigeria were Muslims and urged Nigerians to focus on competence rather than religious affiliation. The association also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian to lead INEC, calling it an inclusive decision.

Other Christian groups, including the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and the Christian Media Forum (CMF), also condemned the SCSN’s call. CMF described it as divisive and potentially harmful to national unity, while YOWICAN said the demand lacked constitutional basis and suggested it was politically motivated.

Evangelist Dedan Clifford, YOWICAN’s northern states and Abuja chairman, stressed that Prof. Amupitan was appointed on merit and urged him to remain focused on his constitutional responsibilities, noting that previous INEC chairmen served without controversy despite their religious background.