The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has criticized the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) over its call for the removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, warning against what it described as the politicization of religion.
Northern CAN described the demand as dangerous, unjustified, and potentially damaging to public confidence in a key national institution. The group emphasized that competence and integrity, rather than religious affiliation, should remain the primary criteria for evaluating public office holders.
The SCSN had urged the immediate removal and prosecution of Amupitan, accusing him of compromised integrity in a 2020 legal brief where he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria. The council claimed that Amupitan’s continued leadership posed a threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and asserted that Muslims would not recognize any elections conducted under him.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) later aligned with the SCSN, reiterating calls for Amupitan’s removal. In a statement signed by its Kano State Chairman, Mallam Hassan Indabawa, MURIC described the Shari’ah Council’s stance as “noble, consistent, and justifiable.” The group also cited concerns over a potential conflict of interest, noting that Amupitan had been part of the legal team for the ruling party during the 2023 presidential election petition. MURIC warned that retaining him could undermine public confidence in the 2027 elections.
Northern CAN, however, rejected the calls for Amupitan’s removal. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association questioned the motives behind the campaign and urged transparency regarding any individuals or groups allegedly driving the agenda under a religious guise.
Hayab stressed that Amupitan, like all Nigerians, is entitled to freedom of religion and that expressing concern about the challenges facing one’s faith does not automatically indicate bias. He further highlighted that Muslims have historically held sensitive government positions without facing similar scrutiny, urging that competence—not faith—be the focus.
The association also pointed out that the two previous INEC chairmen were Muslims from northern Nigeria and warned against claims that only members of a particular religion are fit to lead the electoral body. Northern CAN commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian INEC chairman, describing it as an inclusive and statesmanlike decision, similar to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s retention of a northern Muslim INEC chairman.
The group cautioned that politicizing religion ahead of the 2027 elections could deepen divisions and threaten national unity. It called on the INEC chairman to remain focused on conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
Supporting Northern CAN, the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and the Christian Media Forum (CMF) condemned the call for Amupitan’s removal, describing it as baseless, divisive, and politically motivated. In statements signed by their leaders, they stressed that democracy thrives when public officials are judged on competence and integrity rather than religion, and urged all religious bodies to exercise restraint to promote peace and cohesion.
YOWICAN further warned that attempts to undermine fairness in the democratic process would be resisted, and praised President Tinubu for maintaining religious balance in appointments, urging Professor Amupitan to stay calm and committed to his constitutional duties.
Categories (4):
Politics, Religion, Government, Justice & Law
Tags (8, comma-separated):
INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, Northern CAN, SCSN, MURIC, religious politicization, 2027 elections, Nigeria democracy
