Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has faulted the call by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.
CAN in a press statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary in the North, Rev. Joseph John Hayab and Bishop Mohammed Naga, said SCSN position reinforces concerns about persistent religious discrimination against Christians in Nigeria, particularly in appointments to sensitive national offices.
The religious body warned against politicisation of religion in the country, and said such undermines critical national institution.
It recalled that many Muslims had served in key government positions in the past, including the two immediate past INEC Chairmen who are Muslims from North.
“Professor Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion,” CAN stated, adding that for him to express concern over challenges faced by his religion does not amount to bias or disqualification from public service.
The religious body further warned SCSN against promoting narratives that could suggest that only adherents of a particular religion are qualified to lead the electoral body.
“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,” it added.
The statement advised SCSN to concern itself with the competency or otherwise of the INEC Chairman, rather than his religious belief.
The association commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a conscious effort to promote national unity by appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, and said the decision reflected statesmanship and inclusivity.
The Christian leaders advised the Shari’ah Council to identify any individual or group behind the campaign against the INEC chairman, insisting that religious platforms must not be used as “cheap cover” to pursue political interests or intimidate public officials.
They however, called on the Prof. Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy, urging him to remain focused on his constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair and credible elections.
“He should concentrate on doing the right thing for Nigerians and not behave like others who openly manipulated elections in the past and now seek to remain relevant through religious blackmail,” the statement said.
CAN condemned the recent comments by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) risks electoral defeat if it drops a Northern Muslim as President Tinubu’s running mate in 2027.
According to the association, such statements, when viewed alongside the sustained attacks on a Christian INEC Chairman, “raise legitimate questions about whether there is a deliberate effort to undermine Christian participation and confidence in the country’s political process.”
