The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria’s (SCSN) demand for the removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the call as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a key national institution.
The Shari’ah Council had previously urged the immediate removal and prosecution of Professor Amupitan, citing a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims regarding the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association questioned the motive behind the call, asking who is sponsoring it and why such interests are being pursued under the guise of a religious platform.
“Using religion as a basis to question the integrity of public office holders is dangerous and capable of inflaming sectarian tensions,” the statement read. Northern CAN emphasised that Professor Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has a constitutional right to freedom of religion, and expressing concern about challenges faced by one’s faith does not equate to bias or disqualification from public service.
The association highlighted that several Muslims have previously held sensitive national positions while publicly associated with religious causes without facing similar scrutiny. It urged Nigerians to focus on competence, integrity, and national interest rather than religious affiliation.
Northern CAN also warned that the controversy reinforces long-standing complaints of religious discrimination against Christians in appointments to strategic national offices. It recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria and stressed that leadership of the electoral body should not be restricted by faith.
“Anyone hiding under the guise of a religious council to demand the removal of the INEC chairman for political or sectarian reasons should come out openly,” the statement added, asserting that competence, not faith, must remain the benchmark for public office.
The association commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the decision as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity. Northern CAN also cited the precedent set by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim INEC chairman despite political pressure.
The group advised Professor Amupitan to remain focused on his constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, warning against distractions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Northern CAN further raised concerns over what it described as coordinated political signals ahead of the 2027 general election. It cited remarks by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, suggesting that the APC could risk electoral defeat if it abandons a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket for President Tinubu’s re-election. The association warned that framing political leadership strictly along religious lines could deepen divisions and threaten Nigeria’s fragile unity.
