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) to remove the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. CAN described the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a key national institution.
SCSN had called for Amupitan’s immediate removal and prosecution over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged concerns about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Christian clerics under the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance (NCAGG) also opposed the demand, describing it as undemocratic and ill-advised ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Northern CAN, led by Rev. Joseph Hayab and Bishop Mohammed Naga, cautioned that using religion to question the integrity of public office holders could inflame sectarian tensions. They emphasized that Amupitan, like all Nigerians, has a constitutional right to freedom of religion and that concern for one’s faith does not disqualify anyone from public service.
The association highlighted that competence, not religion, should determine eligibility for public office, citing precedents where Muslims held sensitive national positions, including previous INEC chairmen, without facing similar scrutiny. CAN commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing it as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity.
NCAGG National President, Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, urged SCSN to reconsider its stance, warning that such calls could deepen divisions and undermine confidence in the electoral process. Both CAN and NCAGG stressed the importance of protecting INEC’s independence and ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy remains guided by competence, equity, and national cohesion rather than sectarian considerations.