The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has faulted the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria over its call for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, warning against what it described as the politicisation of religion.
Northern CAN described the demand as dangerous, unjustified, and capable of undermining public confidence in a critical national institution, insisting that competence and integrity—not religious affiliation—should remain the basis for assessing public office holders.
The SCSN had called for the immediate removal and prosecution of Amupitan, accusing him of compromised integrity over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
The council warned that Amupitan’s continued stay in office posed “a serious threat” to the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process and claimed that Muslims would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under his leadership, alleging that his integrity “is under a cloud.”
The SCSN President, Sheikh Bashir Umar, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly.
On Thursday, the Muslim Rights Concern backed the SCSN, renewing calls for Amupitan’s removal.
In a statement issued by its Kano State Chairman, Mallam Hassan Indabawa, MURIC said it was fully aligning with the Shari’ah Council’s position.
“The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria warned that Muslims nationwide will not recognise or accept the legitimacy of any elections conducted under the leadership of Professor Joash Amupitan, the INEC chairman. The Muslim Rights Concern hereby aligns itself with the SCSN. It is a noble, consistent, justifiable, and objective position,” the statement read.
Indabawa recalled that MURIC had earlier called for Amupitan’s removal in two separate statements in November 2025, citing what it described as “hate-filled” views expressed in a 2020 legal brief.
MURIC also referenced concerns earlier raised by other groups, including the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, alleging a potential conflict of interest “because Amupitan was part of the legal team for the ruling party during the 2023 presidential election petition.”
According to MURIC, Amupitan’s 80-page document titled “Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria: The Implications for the International Community” argued that attacks by Boko Haram insurgents and armed herders amounted to a “coordinated anti-Christian campaign,” a position it said contradicted the Federal Government’s consistent rejection of genocide allegations against Christians.
The group warned that retaining Amupitan as INEC chairman could undermine confidence in the 2027 general elections.