Northern CAN Speaks Out Against Shari'ah Council's Move to Oust INEC Chairman
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has issued a strong condemnation of the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for its recent demand to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan. The northern chapter of CAN described this call as dangerous, unfair, and potentially damaging to public trust in one of Nigeria's most critical democratic institutions.
Defense of Competence Over Religious Affiliation
In a statement released from Kaduna and reported by The Punch, Northern CAN emphasized that leadership positions in national institutions should be determined by competence and integrity rather than religious background. The association questioned the underlying motives behind the campaign against Professor Amupitan, asking who might be sponsoring such efforts and why religion is being used as a cover for political maneuvering.
Reverend Joseph Hayab, the chairman of Northern CAN, articulated this position clearly, stating: "Are they saying no other religion should serve as INEC chairman except Muslims? The most important question Nigerians should ask is whether Professor Amupitan is competent or not. That should be the focus, not his faith."
Background of the Controversy
The Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria had previously claimed that Professor Amupitan's integrity is "under a cloud" and warned that Muslims would not accept elections conducted under his leadership. This position received support from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which cited the INEC chairman's 2020 legal brief addressing alleged persecution of Christians and his past involvement with the ruling party during the 2023 election petition process.
However, Northern CAN defended Professor Amupitan's right to express concerns about his faith without such expressions being interpreted as bias. The association noted that every citizen should have the freedom to discuss religious matters without facing professional repercussions.
Broader Implications for National Unity
Northern CAN praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing this decision as inclusive and statesmanlike. The association warned that using religion for political attacks could deepen existing divisions within Nigerian society and harm the fragile fabric of national unity.
The Christian leaders urged Professor Amupitan to remain focused on his constitutional mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, emphasizing that his performance should be judged by his professional accomplishments rather than his religious identity.
Support from Christian Organizations
The Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and the Christian Media Forum have echoed Northern CAN's concerns, describing the removal demand as "baseless, divisive and dangerous to national unity." YOWICAN specifically noted that the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria has no constitutional authority to demand the removal of an INEC chairman and emphasized that Professor Amupitan deserves his position based on merit and professional qualifications.
This developing controversy highlights the ongoing tension between religious identity and professional competence in Nigeria's political landscape, with significant implications for the country's electoral processes and interfaith relations as the nation approaches future elections.
