The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has stated that Muslims nationwide will not recognise or legitimize any elections conducted under the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.
The Council argued that Amupitan’s continued tenure undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and demanded his immediate removal, describing his leadership as a serious threat to electoral credibility and national cohesion.
Sheikh Bashir Umar, President of SCSN, made the remarks during the Council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja. Speaking on the theme “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice, and Leadership,” Umar highlighted concerns about Amupitan’s past, particularly a legal brief he allegedly authored claiming the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria—an assertion rejected by the Nigerian government.
“This is not the first time the Council has taken this position. In the brief he submitted, he sought to establish the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, which directly contradicts the official stance of the Federal Government,” Umar said.
The cleric stressed that such positions amount to divisive propaganda and raise serious doubts about Amupitan’s neutrality as head of the country’s electoral body. “Integrity and impartiality are essential for any electoral umpire. His credibility has been compromised. The honorable step would be for him to resign; otherwise, the government should retire or dismiss him,” he added.
While clarifying that the Council does not engage directly in litigation, Umar noted that other groups have approached courts to challenge Amupitan’s appointment and continued stay in office. He insisted that the Ummah will not recognise elections overseen by a leader whose integrity is in question.
The forum also addressed broader national concerns, including insecurity, economic difficulties, alleged imbalance in federal appointments, poor budget implementation, and threats to Muslims’ constitutional right to practise Shari’ah in majority-Muslim states. The Council rejected claims of a Christian genocide, warning that such narratives could deepen division and threaten national unity.
Aminu Sani Jaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Funds, highlighted the relevance of the Pre-Ramadan lecture amid Nigeria’s current security and socio-political challenges. He described Ramadan as a time for spiritual reflection and emphasized the importance of guidance from religious leaders, cautioning that unverified claims could further undermine national cohesion.
Malam Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru, Madakin Zazzau, commended the SCSN for maintaining a principled and courageous voice for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah since its establishment, engaging on issues beyond religion to promote unity, justice, peaceful coexistence, and national development.
