The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected the call by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of Prof Joash Amupitan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement in Kaduna and jointly signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, CAN described SCSN’s demand as dangerous, unjustified and capable of undermining public confidence in a critical national institution.
The Northern CAN questioned the motive behind the sustained campaign against the INEC chairman, asking who was sponsoring the campaign and why such interests were allegedly hiding under a religious platform.
Hayab said Amupitan, like every Nigerian, had a constitutional right to freedom of religion, stressing that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith did not amount to bias or disqualification from public office.
“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 boldly. Otherwise, the ploy has died naturally,” the statement read.
He noted that several Muslims had served in sensitive government positions despite controversial religious antecedents without facing similar scrutiny, urging Nigerians to prioritise competence over sectarian sentiment.
Northern CAN recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from northern Nigeria and cautioned against narratives suggesting that only adherents of a particular religion were qualified to lead the electoral body.
“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 said.
The association commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman despite being a Muslim, describing the move as statesmanlike and inclusive.
It likened the decision to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite intense pressure.
