The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has strongly rejected the call by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as politically motivated and dangerously cloaked in religious sentiment.

Northern CAN warned that religious platforms must not be deployed as “cheap cover” to pursue political interests or intimidate public office holders, insisting that those behind the campaign against the INEC boss should openly declare themselves.

The Christian body spoke in a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga.

It would be recalled that the Shari’ah Council earlier in the week demanded the immediate sack and prosecution of Prof. Amupitan, alleging compromised integrity over a legal brief in which the INEC chairman reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Reacting, CAN questioned the motive behind the demand, asking who was sponsoring the agitation and why such interests were hiding under the umbrella of a religious organisation.

According to the association, the call represents a dangerous attempt to politicise religion and undermine a critical national institution, stressing that Prof. Amupitan enjoys constitutional rights, including freedom of religion.

CAN argued that expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or disqualification from public service, adding that several Muslims who had served in key government positions in the past had expressed strong religious views without facing similar scrutiny.

The association further warned that the controversy reinforces long-standing concerns over religious discrimination against Christians, particularly in appointments to sensitive national offices.

It recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria, cautioning against narratives that subtly suggest that only adherents of a particular religion are qualified to head the nation’s electoral umpire.

“Anyone hiding under the guise of the Shari’ah Council to demand the removal of the INEC chairman over political or sectarian interests should come out boldly. Otherwise, the plot has failed,” CAN stated.

“Are they saying that no other religion should produce the INEC chairman except Muslims? Nigerians should be asking one fundamental question: Is Prof. Amupitan competent or not? That should be the focus, not his faith.”

Northern CAN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a conscious effort to promote national unity and inclusivity by appointing a Christian as INEC chairman despite being a Muslim himself.

The body likened the decision to the precedent set under former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman against political pressure.

However, CAN urged Prof. Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy, advising him to remain focused on his constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair and credible elections.

“He should concentrate on doing the right thing for Nigerians and avoid the path of those who openly manipulated elections in the past and now seek relevance through religious blackmail,” the statement added.

The association also raised alarm over what it described as emerging signals of a coordinated political agenda ahead of the 2027 general election.

It cited recent comments credited to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, warning that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risks defeat if it drops a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

CAN said such remarks, when viewed alongside sustained attacks on a Christian INEC chairman, raise serious questions about an alleged attempt to undermine Christian participation and confidence in Nigeria’s political process.

The group warned that framing national political survival strictly around religious identity, rather than competence, equity and national cohesion, could deepen division and threaten the country’s fragile unity.

“Nigeria’s democracy must not be held hostage to religious calculations. Any attempt to restrict political leadership to one faith or region will only weaken national cohesion and endanger our collective future,” Northern CAN warned.