By Editor
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has vowed to reject any election conducted under the leadership of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, citing concerns over his integrity and neutrality.
The Council’s President, Sheikh Bashir Umar, stated that Amupitan’s continued stay in office undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The SCSN’s stance is based on a legal brief allegedly authored by Amupitan, which claimed the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, a position rejected by the Federal Government. The Council views this as divisive propaganda, raising concerns about Amupitan’s ability to oversee a fair election.
The Council has called for Amupitan’s immediate removal, resignation, or dismissal, emphasizing that integrity and neutrality are non-negotiable for an electoral umpire. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has aligned itself with the SCSN’s position, demanding Amupitan’s sack.
The INEC source dismissed the allegations, describing them as an attempt to gain publicity. However, the SCSN remains firm, warning that any election conducted under Amupitan’s supervision would lack legitimacy.
The controversy has sparked concerns about national stability and democratic credibility. The Council has also raised alarm over attempts to undermine Muslims’ constitutional right to practice Shari’ah in Muslim-majority states.
The SCSN’s stance has added another layer of tension to Nigeria’s already charged political environment, raising questions about trust in public institutions and the delicate balance required to manage faith, politics, and democracy.
The Council has urged Nigerians to reject narratives that pit one faith against another, emphasizing that common enemies are injustice, corruption, poverty, and insecurity. ⁷
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has defended Amupitan, arguing that he has a constitutional right to express personal opinions. However, the SCSN insists that Amupitan’s integrity has been compromised.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate about the role of faith in Nigerian politics and the importance of neutrality in public institutions.
The SCSN’s demand for Amupitan’s removal has gained support from various groups, including the Da’wah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN) and the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP).
The outcome of this controversy remains uncertain, with the 2027 general elections looming.
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