Northern CAN Rejects Call to Sack INEC Chairman Amupitan, Defends Religious Neutrality

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) demanding the removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.
Earlier this week, the Shari’ah Council urged Amupitan’s immediate dismissal and prosecution, questioning his integrity over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Northern CAN leaders, including Chairman Reverend Joseph John Hayab and Secretary General Bishop Mohammed Naga, described the call as an attempt to politicize religion and undermine a critical national institution. They challenged the council to disclose who was behind the demand and why such interests were hiding under the banner of religion.
“Professor Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion. Expressing concern about challenges faced by his faith does not disqualify him from public office,” Hayab said.
The association noted that many Muslims have historically served in sensitive government roles without facing similar scrutiny. They emphasized that competence and national interest, rather than religious affiliation, should guide appointments to public office.
Highlighting the broader implications, Northern CAN warned that the controversy underscores persistent concerns about discrimination against Christians in sensitive national positions. They recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria and questioned narratives suggesting that only Muslims are qualified to lead the electoral body.
“Anyone using the Shari’ah Council to demand Amupitan’s removal for political or sectarian reasons should identify themselves. Otherwise, the attempt has failed,” the statement added.
The association praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing it as a deliberate effort to foster national unity and inclusivity. They drew parallels to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, which retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite opposition.
Northern CAN urged Professor Amupitan to remain focused on his constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, advising him not to be distracted by sectarian attacks. “He should focus on delivering for Nigerians rather than succumbing to religious intimidation,” the statement said.
The Christian body also raised concerns about emerging political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Citing recent comments by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Northern CAN suggested that sustained attacks on a Christian INEC chairman, combined with calls for a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket for President Tinubu, raise questions about efforts to undermine Christian participation in the political process.
The association concluded that Nigeria’s democracy cannot be held hostage to religious identity. “Framing political survival around faith rather than competence, equity, and national cohesion risks deepening divisions and threatening the country’s fragile unity,” Northern CAN warned.