Northern CAN Rejects Call for Removal of INEC Chairman, Warns Against Politicising Religion

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) for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan. In a statement issued on Thursday, the association tagged the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a key national institution. Northern CAN questioned the motive behind the call and warned that using religion to challenge public office holders could inflame sectarian tensions.

The body noted that Professor Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to freedom of religion and that expressing concerns about challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification. Northern CAN urged Nigerians to focus on competence, integrity, and national interest rather than religious affiliation, citing precedents where Muslims held sensitive national positions without similar scrutiny.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale