Daily Hope24 News Desk
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) seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.
In a statement on Thursday, Northern CAN described the call as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a critical national institution.
“Professor Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion. Expressing concern over challenges faced by his faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public service,” said the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab.
The association questioned the motives behind the demand, asking who was sponsoring it and why such interests were hiding behind a religious platform.It also pointed out that many Muslims who had served in senior government positions had faced no similar scrutiny.
“The focus should be on competence, not faith,” the statement added.Northern CAN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, noting that the decision reflected statesmanship and inclusivity.
The association recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman, despite opposition.
The statement urged the Shari’ah Council to openly identify individuals or groups behind the campaign and warned against using religion as a cover for political interests.
It also called on the INEC chairman to remain focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
“He should concentrate on doing the right thing for Nigerians and not be distracted by religious blackmail,” it said.
Northern CAN raised concerns over emerging political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election, citing comments by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, warning that the All Progressives Congress (APC) risks defeat if it abandons a northern Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The association said linking political survival strictly to religious identity, rather than competence and national cohesion, could marginalise Christians and deepen divisions in the country.
