- Northern CAN rejects Shari’ah Council’s demand for INEC chair’s removal
- Christian clerics warn against politicising religion ahead of 2027 elections
- Groups insist competence, not faith, should guide leadership of INEC
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside prominent Christian clerics, has firmly rejected calls 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.
Northern CAN described the demand as an attempt to politicise religion, undermine a critical democratic institution and heat up sectarian tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The Shari’ah Council had earlier called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims relating to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and its Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, questioned the motive behind the call, asking who was sponsoring it and why such interests were being pursued under the banner of religion.
The association cautioned that using religion to challenge the integrity of public office holders was dangerous and capable of inflaming divisions in the country.
Northern CAN stressed that Amupitan, like every Nigerian, enjoys constitutional freedom of religion, noting that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public office.
It recalled that Muslims have previously occupied sensitive national positions, including the leadership of INEC, without their religious identity being used as grounds for removal.
The group further warned against narratives suggesting that the leadership of the electoral body should be restricted to followers of a particular religion.
“Competence, integrity and professionalism — not faith — should remain the benchmark for public office,” the association stated.
Northern CAN also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the move as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity. It referenced the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite political pressures.
The association advised the Shari’ah Council to clearly identify any individuals or groups behind the campaign against the INEC chairman, warning that religious platforms should not be used to advance political agendas or intimidate public officials.
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It also urged Amupitan to remain focused on his constitutional mandate of conducting credible, free and fair elections, despite the growing controversy.
Northern CAN further expressed concern over what it described as emerging signs of coordinated political manoeuvring ahead of 2027, citing recent comments attributed to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, suggesting electoral risks for the ruling party if it abandons a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
According to the association, when viewed alongside sustained criticism of a Christian INEC chairman, such remarks raise questions about attempts to weaken Christian confidence and participation in the political process.
Similarly, Christian clerics under the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria (NCAGG) rejected the call for Amupitan’s removal.
In a statement, NCAGG National President, Dean Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, described the demand as undemocratic and ill-advised, warning that it could create unnecessary division among Nigerians.
He said Amupitan’s experience as a constitutional lawyer would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing that the independence and integrity of INEC must be protected from undue pressure.
The clerics called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic values, national cohesion and peaceful coexistence as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.