Northern CAN Defends INEC Chairman, Blasts Religious Politicisation.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory 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), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as a dangerous attempt to politicise religion and undermine a key national institution. 

In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by CAN’s Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Secretary-General Bishop Mohammed Naga, the Christian body questioned the motive behind the call and asked who was sponsoring the push under the guise of a religious organisation. CAN warned that using religion to challenge public office holders’ integrity could inflame sectarian tensions and harm national unity.

The SCSN had earlier demanded the immediate removal and prosecution of Professor Amupitan, claiming his integrity was compromised due to a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged concerns over the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The council also threatened that Muslims nationwide would not recognise any elections conducted under his leadership for the upcoming 2027 polls.

CAN emphasised that Professor Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has a constitutional right to freedom of religion, and that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not disqualify an individual from public service. The association noted that many Muslims previously held sensitive national positions while openly associated with religious causes without similar scrutiny. It urged Nigerians to prioritise competence, integrity and national interest over religious identity in evaluating public office holders.

Highlighting broader concerns, CAN said the controversy reinforces long-standing complaints of religious discrimination against Christians in appointments to strategic national offices. The group recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria and warned against narratives suggesting that the electoral body’s leadership should be restricted to adherents of a particular faith.

The Christian body also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC Chairman, describing the decision as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity, and referenced the precedent of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite political pressure at the time.

CAN advised Professor Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy but to remain focused on his constitutional responsibility to conduct free, fair and credible elections.