Religious Tensions Flare as Northern CAN Rejects Call for INEC Chairman’s Removal

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has strongly opposed the demand by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan.

Northern CAN described the call as dangerous, unjustified, and a politicization of religion that risks undermining public confidence in a critical national institution.

The SCSN had on Wednesday called for Amupitan’s immediate removal and prosecution, alleging compromised integrity. The council cited a legal brief from 2020 in which Amupitan, then in private legal practice, reportedly detailed claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria. SCSN President Sheikh Bashir Umar stated that Muslims would not recognize any election conducted under his leadership, claiming his integrity was “under a cloud.”

The Muslim Rights Concern aligned itself with the SCSN’s position on Thursday. MURIC’s Kano State Chairman, Mallam Hassan Indabawa, reiterated earlier calls for Amupitan’s removal, citing the same legal brief and raising concerns over alleged partisanship and bias.

However, Northern CAN, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, questioned the motive behind the campaign. It stressed that competence and integrity not religious affiliation should be the basis for assessing public officials.

“Are they saying no other religion should serve as INEC chairman except Muslims? The most important question Nigerians should ask is whether Professor Amupitan is competent or not. That should be the focus, not his faith,” Hayab stated.

The association warned that the controversy reinforced concerns about religious discrimination against Christians in sensitive appointments. It noted that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims and commended President Bola Tinubu for an inclusive appointment.

Other Christian groups, including the Christian Media Forum and the Youth Wing of CAN, also condemned the SCSN’s demand, labeling it divisive and politically motivated. They urged religious bodies to promote national cohesion and allow the INEC chairman to focus on his constitutional duties.

The dispute highlights rising religious and political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Northern CAN warning against framing politics strictly along sectarian lines.