The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has strongly rejected demands by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the immediate removal and prosecution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Northern CAN Chairman Rev. Joseph John Hayab and Secretary General Bishop Mohammed Naga described the call as an unjustified attempt to undermine a vital national institution and questioned the motives behind it.
The SCSN had accused Prof. Amupitan of compromised integrity, citing a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Northern CAN fired back, warning against the dangerous politicisation 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 openly. Otherwise, the ploy has died naturally.”
The body stressed that Prof. Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion, arguing that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not equate to bias or disqualification from public office.
It highlighted perceived double standards: “Several Muslims had previously occupied sensitive government positions despite controversial religious antecedents, without being subjected to similar scrutiny.”
Northern CAN urged focus on competence, integrity, and national interest rather than sectarian considerations, noting that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria.
The association commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman despite being a Muslim, describing it as “an act of statesmanship and inclusivity.” It drew parallels to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s retention of a northern Muslim INEC chairman for national stability.
CAN advised the Shari’ah Council to openly identify any sponsors behind the campaign, cautioning that religious platforms must not serve as “cheap cover” for political interests or intimidation.
The group urged Prof. Amupitan to remain undistracted and focused on his constitutional duty of delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
