The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has firmly rejected demands by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. CAN described the call as a dangerous attempt to politicise religion and undermine a key national institution.
SCSN had urged the immediate removal and prosecution of Amupitan, citing a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims regarding the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The call sparked widespread debate over the role of religion in public office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Christian clerics under the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria (NCAGG) also condemned the demand, labeling it undemocratic and ill-advised. In a statement issued yesterday, Northern CAN’s Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, questioned the motivations behind the move, asking who is sponsoring it and why such interests are being pursued under the platform of a religious organization.
Northern CAN warned that using religion as a basis to challenge the integrity of public office holders risks inflaming sectarian tensions. The body emphasized that Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has a constitutional right to freedom of religion, and raising concerns over challenges facing one’s faith does not constitute bias or disqualification from public service.
Highlighting past precedents, CAN recalled that previous INEC chairmen, who were Muslims from Northern Nigeria, served without similar scrutiny despite their public religious affiliations. The association urged that competence, not faith, must remain the standard for leadership in public institutions.
Praising President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, Northern CAN framed the decision as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity. The statement also cited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s retention of a Northern Muslim INEC chairman despite political pressures, reinforcing the principle that leadership of the electoral body should not be limited to adherents of any single religion.
The association called on SCSN to disclose the individuals or groups behind the campaign against Amupitan, warning that religious platforms should not serve as covers for political interests or intimidation. Northern CAN urged the INEC chairman to remain focused on his constitutional mandate of conducting credible elections, amid what it described as signs of a coordinated political agenda ahead of 2027.
The statement referenced recent remarks attributed to the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could risk defeat if it abandons a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket for Tinubu’s re-election bid. Northern CAN noted that, combined with the criticism of a Christian INEC chairman, these developments raise questions about efforts to weaken Christian confidence and participation in Nigeria’s political process.
