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) demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan. The association described the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a critical national institution.
The controversy arose after the Shari’ah Council called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman. The council cited concerns over a legal brief in which Professor Amupitan reportedly acknowledged claims relating to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Reacting to the call, Northern CAN issued a statement on Thursday, jointly signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga. The statement questioned the motives behind the demand, asking who was sponsoring the campaign and why it was being pursued under the platform of a religious organisation.
Northern CAN cautioned that using religion as a reason to question the integrity of public office holders was dangerous. The association warned that such actions could inflame sectarian tensions and threaten national unity.
“Religion should never be weaponised to settle political scores or intimidate public officials. Professor Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to freedom of religion. Expressing concern about challenges faced by one’s faith does not automatically amount to bias or disqualification from public service,” the statement said.
The Christian body pointed out that several Muslims had previously held sensitive national positions while publicly associated with religious causes, without facing similar scrutiny. Northern CAN urged Nigerians to focus on competence, integrity, and national interest, rather than religious affiliation.
The statement also highlighted longstanding concerns about religious discrimination against Christians, particularly in appointments to strategic national offices. Northern CAN noted that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria and warned against narratives suggesting that leadership of the electoral body should be restricted to adherents of a particular religion.
“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 association said. “Competence, not faith, must remain the benchmark for public office.”
Northern CAN also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman. The association described the decision as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity. It recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite political pressure, retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman, setting a precedent of prioritising competence over religious considerations.
The association further urged the Shari’ah Council to identify any individual or group behind the campaign against Professor Amupitan, warning that religious platforms should not be used as cover for political interests or intimidation.
Northern CAN stressed that Professor Amupitan should not be distracted by the controversy but should remain focused on his constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. The association emphasised that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system should not be undermined by sectarian interests.
Northern CAN’s intervention is seen as an effort to protect both the integrity of the electoral process and the principle of religious inclusivity in national appointments. By defending Professor Amupitan, the body is signalling that faith should not determine eligibility for public office.
Historically, Nigeria has witnessed tensions over religious representation in strategic positions, especially in key national institutions. The appointment of public officials has occasionally sparked debates along religious and regional lines. Observers say that these debates are often exploited by political actors seeking to advance personal or group interests.
In defending the INEC chairman, Northern CAN has emphasised that the country should prioritise competence and national interest over religious considerations. The association warned against narratives that seek to restrict leadership positions to adherents of a particular faith, calling such actions divisive and counterproductive.
The statement concluded with a call for calm, urging Nigerians to focus on pressing national issues, including economic development, security, and social cohesion, rather than being drawn into sectarian controversies.
“This is a time for unity and nation-building, not divisive campaigns that threaten the stability of our institutions. We urge all stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow the INEC chairman to perform his duties without interference,” the association said.
Meanwhile, Professor Joash Amupitan has yet to publicly comment on the controversy. However, the widespread support from Northern CAN may strengthen his position and reassure the public that calls for his removal are being viewed critically by major civil society and religious groups.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining institutional independence in Nigeria, where religion, politics, and governance often intersect. Civil society organisations, analysts, and religious bodies continue to play a crucial role in advocating for fairness, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
