Northern CAN Speaks as Shari’ah Council Moves to Oust INEC Chairman, Mentions What is Important
- Northern CAN has criticised the Shari’ah Council’s call to remove INEC Chairman, questioning its motives
- The association emphasised competence and integrity, not religion, as the guiding principle for leadership roles
- CAN and allied Christian groups have warned that using faith for political attacks risks national division
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has criticised the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for calling for the removal of INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan.
Source: Twitter
Northern CAN, in a statement issued in Kaduna, as disclosed by The Punch, said the demand is dangerous, unfair, and risks shaking public trust in a key national institution.
They stressed that competence and integrity, not religion, should guide leadership roles.
SCSN had claimed that Amupitan’s integrity is “under a cloud” and warned that Muslims would not accept elections conducted under him.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also supported the call, citing Amupitan’s 2020 legal brief on the alleged persecution of Christians and his past involvement with the ruling party during the 2023 election petition.
Is religion being misused in Nigerian politics?
However, Northern CAN questioned the motives behind the campaign, asking who is sponsoring it and why religion is being used as a cover. The association noted that Amupitan has the right to express concerns about his faith without it being seen as biased.
Rev. Joseph Hayab, CAN’s chairman, said:
“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.”
CAN also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian INEC chairman, describing it as inclusive and statesmanlike.
The group warned that using religion for political attacks could deepen divisions and harm national unity, urging the chairman to focus on delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
Source: Twitter
The Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and the Christian Media Forum echoed the warning, calling the removal demand “baseless, divisive and dangerous to national unity.”
YOWICAN added that the SCSN has no constitutional right to make such a demand and that Prof. Amupitan deserves the position based on merit.
Northern Elders begin Christian‑Muslim reconciliation
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that northern elders led by Hakeem Baba Ahmed and Professor Yusuf Usman have begun a reconciliation move between Christians and Muslims across the 19 northern states to foster peace and unity.
The delegation visited the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) headquarters to promote interfaith harmony, stressing that both faiths must live together peacefully despite recent tensions.
CAN and JNI leaders welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the dialogue will help reduce divisions, heal mistrust, and strengthen peaceful coexistence in the region.
Tinubu Minister backs Northern Muslim ticket
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a top minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against abandoning the idea of a northern Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
The minister said sidelining a Muslim-northern candidate could weaken the party’s cohesion and electoral strength, stressing that balancing the ticket helps maintain national unity and broad support.
He urged party stakeholders to consider political realities and inclusiveness, warning that ignoring the aspiration might alienate key constituencies vital for APC’s success in the next election.
Source: Legit.ng
