The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has strongly condemned 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), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the move as a dangerous attempt to inject religion into Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
CAN accused the Shari’ah Council of using a religious platform to pursue what it termed a politically motivated agenda capable of undermining the credibility of INEC and stoking sectarian tension across the country.
The Shari’ah Council had earlier demanded the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged allegations of persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the Christian body questioned the timing and intent of the demand, asking who stood to benefit from the controversy and why such pressure was being mounted under the guise of religion.
Northern CAN warned that subjecting public office holders to religious tests was a slippery slope that could destabilise Nigeria’s already fragile unity.
The association stressed that Professor Amupitan’s faith or expressed concerns about challenges faced by Christians do not amount to bias, noting that the constitution guarantees every Nigerian freedom of religion.
CAN further pointed to what it described as double standards, recalling that Muslims had previously held sensitive national offices while openly associated with religious causes without facing similar calls for removal.
The group said the controversy reinforces long-standing complaints of religious imbalance in key national appointments, noting that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were northern Muslims. It cautioned against any narrative suggesting that leadership of the electoral body should be limited to a particular religion.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, CAN said the decision reflected inclusivity and national balance, warning that yielding to religious pressure would set a dangerous precedent.
The association urged Professor Amupitan to remain focused on his constitutional duty to deliver free, fair and credible elections, despite what it described as deliberate distractions.
CAN also raised alarm over emerging political signals ahead of the 2027 general election, citing comments attributed to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could risk defeat if it abandons a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket.
According to CAN, when viewed alongside sustained attacks on a Christian INEC chairman, such statements suggest a broader effort to frame Nigeria’s political future along religious lines.
The group warned that narrowing political leadership to faith or region could deepen national divisions and undermine democracy, stressing that competence, equity and unity must remain the foundation of Nigeria’s political process.
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