Leave Amupitan alone, CAN tells Shari’ah Council, MURIC

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has criticised the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) over its demand for the removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, warning against the injection of religion into electoral matters.

Northern CAN described the call as “dangerous” and unjustified, insisting that public officers should be judged on competence and integrity rather than faith.

The Shari’ah Council had accused Amupitan of compromised integrity, citing a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians. It warned that Muslims would not recognise elections conducted under his leadership, claiming his integrity “is under a cloud”.

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) later endorsed the position, saying the demand for Amupitan’s removal was “noble, consistent, justifiable and objective”, and warning that his continued stay could affect the credibility of the 2027 elections.

However, Northern CAN questioned the motive behind the sustained pressure, asking who was sponsoring the campaign and why religion was being used as a cover.

“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,” the association said.

CAN stressed that expressing concern about one’s faith did not amount to bias and warned that framing electoral leadership along religious lines could deepen division and undermine national unity.