Christian leaders, Shari’ah Council clash over demand for INEC Chair’s removal

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, on Thursday, strongly opposed the demand 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, warning against what it described as the politicisation of religion.

Northern CAN said the call was “dangerous, unjustified and capable of undermining public confidence in a critical national institution,” stressing that competence and integrity, not religious affiliation, should determine suitability for public office.

The SCSN had earlier accused Amupitan of compromised integrity, citing a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians.

The council argued that his continued leadership posed “a serious threat” to Nigeria’s democratic process and warned that Muslims would not recognise elections conducted under him.

Backing the SCSN, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) renewed calls for Amupitan’s removal, referencing his 2020 legal brief which described Boko Haram attacks and herder violence as a “coordinated anti-Christian campaign.”

MURIC claimed this contradicted the Federal Government’s stance and alleged that Amupitan’s past role in the ruling party’s 2023 election petition created a conflict of interest.

“Allowing him to superintend Nigeria’s electoral processes will erode credibility and legitimacy, as his integrity is already compromised,” MURIC said.

In response, Northern CAN questioned the motives behind the campaign, asking who was sponsoring it and why religion was being used as cover. Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab argued that Amupitan had a constitutional right to freedom of religion.

“Anyone hiding under the guise of the Shari’ah Council to demand the removal of the INEC chairman over political or sectarian interests should come out boldly. Otherwise, the ploy has died naturally,” he said.

CAN noted that previous INEC chairmen—including Attahiru Jega and Mahmood Yakubu—were Muslims from northern Nigeria, yet Christians did not object. Hayab asked: “Are they saying no other religion should serve as INEC chairman except Muslims? The most important question Nigerians should ask is whether Professor Amupitan is competent or not.”

The association commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian despite being a Muslim, describing the move as inclusive and statesmanlike. It urged Amupitan to remain focused on delivering credible elections.

Similarly, the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and the Christian Media Forum (CMF) condemned the removal calls, describing them as “baseless, divisive and dangerous to national unity.”

YOWICAN’s northern chairman, Evangelist Dedan Clifford, said: “What they are simply suggesting is that a Christian cannot hold that position. But the position is based on merit, and Prof. Amupitan deserves it.”

Both groups warned that politicising religion could deepen divisions and erode confidence in democratic institutions, urging restraint and a focus on competence, integrity, and performance.

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