Shari’ah council denies viral call for prayers against INEC chairman

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has refuted claims circulating online that it directed Muslims to hold prayers seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.

In a statement released on Monday in Kaduna, the council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, said the organisation had been flooded with enquiries over what he described as “a series of misleading and unsubstantiated reports” attributed to unofficial and anonymous sources.

He made it clear that no such directive was ever issued by the council and urged the public to ignore the claims.

“The Council categorically dissociates itself from these claims. At no time did it issue any directive, statement, or call on Muslims to embark on prayers specifically calling for the removal of the Chairman of INEC,” the statement read.

Baba-Ahmad further described the reports as deliberate misinformation aimed at dragging the council into political controversies.

“These fabrications are clearly intended to create unnecessary tension and drag the Council into the murky and often divisive waters of political contestation,” he added.

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The council stressed that it remains a credible religious body committed to justice, fairness, and peaceful coexistence, and that all its communications are issued through official and recognised channels.

It also cautioned the public against relying on unverified social media content, warning that such platforms are increasingly being used to spread falsehoods.

“The Council urges the general public, particularly members of the Muslim Ummah and the media, to disregard these false narratives and rely only on official communications issued through recognised channels,” Baba-Ahmad said.

While distancing itself from the viral prayer directive, the council reiterated its previously stated concerns regarding the leadership of the electoral commission, maintaining that its position was based on issues of neutrality and integrity.

“Our position is not driven by political bias or sectarian interests but by serious concerns arising from actions and dispositions that have demonstrated a clear prejudice against Islam and Muslims,” the statement added.

It argued that any such perceived bias would be incompatible with the expectations of a public office holder in a diverse society like Nigeria.

Despite the controversy, the council reaffirmed its commitment to remaining non-partisan and focused on its core mission.

“The Council will not allow itself to be used for political manipulation, nor will it be distracted from its mission of fostering a just, peaceful and prosperous society,” Baba-Ahmad said.

The organisation also called for restraint, warning that the spread of misinformation could heighten tensions and undermine national unity, while reiterating its support for a society where citizens can freely practise their religion without fear or discrimination.

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