Northern Christians Decry Sharia’h Council’s Rejection Of INEC Chair

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The SCSN had earlier demanded the immediate removal and prosecution of Prof. Amupitan, accusing him of compromised integrity over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

Reacting to the development yesterday, Northern CAN leaders, in a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and secretary-general, Bishop Mohammed Naga, questioned the motive behind the call.

They asked who was sponsoring it and why such interests were hiding under the platform of a religious body.

Describing the demand as a dangerous attempt to politicise religion and undermine a national institution, the association emphasised that Prof. Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion.

The association added that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public service.

The statement highlighted that many Muslims who have served in top government positions in the past had controversial religious histories but faced no similar scrutiny, urging national actors to prioritise competence and the national interest over sectarian considerations.

Northern CAN also warned that the controversy reflects persistent religious discrimination against Christians in Nigeria, particularly in appointments to sensitive offices.

They recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from northern Nigeria and cautioned against narratives suggesting that only adherents of a particular religion are qualified to lead the electoral body.

The association commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing it as a conscious effort to promote national unity and inclusivity.

CAN encouraged Prof. Amupitan to focus on his constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.

“He should concentrate on doing the right thing for Nigerians and not behave like others who openly manipulated elections in the past and now seek to remain relevant through religious blackmail”.

Expressing concern over what it described as signals of a coordinated political agenda ahead of the 2027 general election, Northern CAN cited recent comments by Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

Northern CAN however, warned that framing political survival strictly around religious identity, rather than competence and national cohesion, could marginalise Christians, deepen divisions, and threaten Nigeria’s fragile unity.