The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission Prof Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a critical national institution.
The Shari’ah Council had earlier called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims relating to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday, Chairman of Northern CAN Rev Joseph Hayab and Secretary General Bishop Mohammed Naga questioned the motive behind the call, asking who was sponsoring it and why such demands were being advanced through a religious platform. The association warned that using religion to question the integrity of public office holders was dangerous and capable of inflaming sectarian tensions.
Northern CAN stressed that Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion and that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public service. It noted that several Muslims had previously occupied sensitive national positions despite openly associating with religious causes without facing similar scrutiny.
The group cautioned against narratives suggesting that leadership of INEC should be restricted to adherents of a particular religion, recalling that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria. It commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the move as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity.
Northern CAN also urged Prof Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy but to remain focused on his constitutional responsibility of conducting credible elections. It warned against emerging political signals ahead of the 2027 general elections that could undermine Christian confidence and participation in the democratic process.
Similarly, Christian clerics under the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria rejected the sack call, describing it as undemocratic and ill advised. The group emphasized that the integrity and independence of INEC must be protected to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
