CAN Faults Shari’ah Council’s Call For INEC Chair’s Removal

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern States has challenged the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) to publicly identify the individual or group behind its call for the removal of the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, warning that religious platforms must not be used as a “cheap cover” to pursue political interests or intimidate public officials.

Northern CAN rejected the Shari’ah Council’s demand for the removal and prosecution of the Prof. Amupitan, following allegations that he compromised his integrity by previously acknowledging claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria in a legal brief.

In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by the chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and its Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association questioned the motive behind the call, asking who was sponsoring it and why such interests were hiding under the umbrella of a religious body.

CAN described the demand as a dangerous attempt to politicise religion and undermine a critical national institution, stressing that Professor Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion and expression.

According to the association, expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or constitute grounds for disqualification from public office.

The statement further noted that several Muslims who previously occupied key government positions had well-known religious antecedents without facing similar scrutiny, urging national stakeholders to prioritise competence and national interest over sectarian sentiments.

Northern CAN also warned that the controversy reinforced longstanding concerns about religious discrimination against Christians, particularly in appointments to sensitive national offices, recalling that the two immediate-past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria.

It cautioned against narratives that imply only adherents of a particular religion are qualified to lead the electoral body.

“Anyone hiding under the guise of the Shari’ah Council to demand the removal of the INEC chairman for political or sectarian reasons should come out openly, otherwise the plot has failed,” CAN stated.

“Are they suggesting that only Muslims can serve as INEC chairman? The key question Nigerians should ask is whether Professor Amupitan is competent. His faith should not be the issue.”

The association commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a deliberate effort to promote national unity by appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, despite being a Muslim, saying the decision reflected inclusivity and statesmanship.

It also referenced the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman in the interest of national cohesion.

CAN, however, urged Professor Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy, advising him to remain focused on his constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair and credible elections.

“He should concentrate on doing the right thing for Nigerians and avoid the path of those who openly manipulated elections in the past and now seek relevance through religious blackmail,” the statement said.

Northern CAN further raised concerns over what it described as emerging signs of a coordinated political agenda ahead of the 2027 general election.

It cited recent comments by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could lose future elections if it abandons a Muslim-Muslim ticket for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to CAN, when such comments were viewed alongside sustained attacks on a Christian INEC chairman, they raised legitimate questions about a deliberate effort to undermine Christian participation and confidence in the political process.

The association warned that framing national political survival strictly around religious identity rather than competence, equity and unity suggests plans may already be underway to marginalise Christians ahead of 2027.

Northern CAN stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not be held hostage to religious calculations, warning that any attempt to restrict political leadership to one faith or region would deepen division and threaten the country’s fragile unity.