The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has 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.
The Shari’ah Council had demanded the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman, alleging compromised integrity following a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and its Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, questioned the motive behind the demand.
The association warned against what it described as the dangerous politicisation of religion, asking why those behind the campaign were pursuing political interests under the cover of a religious organisation.
CAN described the call as an attempt to undermine a critical national institution, stressing that Prof. Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion.
According to the group, raising concerns about challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or grounds for disqualification from public office.
Northern CAN noted that several Muslims have previously held sensitive government positions despite controversial religious antecedents, without facing similar scrutiny.
It urged national stakeholders to prioritise competence, integrity, and national interest over sectarian considerations.
The association warned that the controversy reinforces long-standing concerns about religious discrimination against Christians, especially in appointments to strategic national positions.
It also recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria, cautioning 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 over political or sectarian interests should come out openly. Otherwise, the ploy has died naturally,” the statement said.
CAN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman despite being a Muslim, describing the decision as an act of statesmanship and inclusivity.
It likened the move to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman in the interest of national stability.
The association urged the Shari’ah Council to openly identify any individual or group behind the campaign against the INEC chairman, warning that religious platforms must not be used as “cheap cover” for political interests or intimidation.
It also advised Prof. Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy but to remain focused on his constitutional responsibility to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.