The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a critical national institution.
The SCSN had 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 Tuesday, Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, questioned the motive behind the call, asking who was sponsoring the demand and why such interests were being advanced under the platform of a religious organisation.
Northern CAN cautioned that using religion as a basis for questioning the integrity of a public office holder was dangerous and capable of inflaming sectarian tensions in the country.
The association stressed that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has a constitutional right to freedom of religion, adding that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public office.
It noted that several Muslims had previously held sensitive national positions while being publicly associated with religious causes without facing similar scrutiny.
Northern CAN recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria and warned against narratives suggesting that leadership of the electoral body should be restricted to adherents of a particular religion.
“Anyone hiding under the guise of a religious council to demand the removal of the INEC chairman for political or sectarian reasons should come out openly,” the statement said, adding that competence—not faith—must remain the benchmark for public office.
The association commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the move as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity. It also cited the precedent under former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite political pressure at the time.
Northern CAN urged the Shari’ah Council to clearly identify any individual or group behind the campaign against the INEC chairman, warning that religious platforms should not be used as cover for political interests or to intimidate public officials.
The group also advised Prof. Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy but to remain focused on his constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair and credible elections.
Raising broader concerns, Northern CAN warned of what it described as emerging signs of a coordinated political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It cited recent comments attributed to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could risk electoral defeat if it abandons a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to the association, when viewed alongside sustained criticism of a Christian INEC chairman, such statements raise concerns about a possible effort to weaken Christian confidence and participation in the political process.
Northern CAN warned against framing Nigeria’s political future along religious lines, stressing that democracy must be driven by competence, equity and national cohesion rather than sectarian considerations.
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Christian Clerics Also Reject Sack Call
Similarly, Christian clerics under the umbrella of the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria (NCAGG) have rejected calls for the removal of Prof. Amupitan, describing the demand as undemocratic and ill-advised ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National President, Dean Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, the group said the call lacked any substantive basis and risked creating unnecessary division among Nigerians.
“We view this position as undemocratic and lacking a substantive basis. Utilizing your esteemed platform to call for such drastic measures can create unnecessary division among the peace-loving citizens of our nation,” the statement read.
The alliance said Prof. Amupitan’s experience as a constitutional lawyer would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and urged that the integrity and independence of INEC be protected from undue pressure.
“We urge the Council to reconsider its stance and support a collaborative approach that upholds the democratic values we all cherish,” Nicodemus added.