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) for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a key national institution.
The SCSN had earlier called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Similarly, Christian clerics under the umbrella of the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria (NCAGG) dismissed the call, describing it as undemocratic and ill-timed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and its Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association questioned the motive behind the demand, asking who was sponsoring it and why such interests were being pursued under the guise of a religious organisation.
Northern CAN warned that using religion to question the integrity of public office holders was dangerous and capable of stoking sectarian tensions. It stressed that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, enjoys constitutional rights to freedom of religion, noting that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public office.
The association recalled that several Muslims had previously held sensitive national positions while being openly associated with religious causes without facing similar scrutiny. It also noted that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria, cautioning against narratives suggesting that leadership of the electoral body should be restricted to adherents of a particular religion.
Northern CAN commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the move as a show of inclusivity and national unity. It also referenced the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite political pressure.
The association urged the Shari’ah Council to identify any individuals or groups behind the campaign against the INEC chairman, warning against using religious platforms to pursue political interests or intimidate public officials. It also advised Prof. Amupitan to remain focused on his constitutional duty of conducting credible elections.
Northern CAN further raised concerns over what it described as emerging signs of a coordinated political agenda ahead of the 2027 polls, 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 the association, when viewed alongside sustained criticism of a Christian INEC chairman, such remarks raise questions about attempts to weaken Christian participation and confidence in the political process. It warned against framing Nigeria’s political future along religious lines, stressing that democracy should be driven by competence, equity and national cohesion.
In a separate statement, NCAGG National President, Dean Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, described the call for Amupitan’s removal as lacking substance and capable of creating unnecessary division. He said the INEC chairman’s experience as a constitutional lawyer would strengthen the electoral process and urged respect for the integrity and independence of the commission.
Elijah Adeyemi
No comments:
Post a Comment