The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected calls for the removal of Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a vital national institution.
The position was issued in a statement on Thursday, January 29, 2026, signed by Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of Northern CAN, and Bishop Mohammed Naga, its Secretary-General.
The controversy follows a call by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for Amupitan’s immediate removal and prosecution, citing concerns over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims relating to persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Northern CAN condemned the move as dangerous and cautioned against efforts to use religious platforms to discredit public office holders.
In its statement, Northern CAN emphasised that Professor Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion, and expressing concern over challenges faced by one’s faith does not automatically amount to bias or disqualification from public office.
The association urged Nigerians to focus on competence, integrity and national interest, rather than sectarian considerations when assessing public officials.
The group also pointed out that several Muslims have historically served in sensitive national roles without facing similar scrutiny and emphasised that leadership of the electoral body should not be restricted to adherents of a particular religion.
“Anyone using a religious council to demand removal of the INEC chairman for political or sectarian interests should come out openly,” the statement said, underlining that competence, not faith, should remain the benchmark for public office.
Northern CAN praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the decision as a demonstration of inclusivity and national unity.
The association drew parallels with the past when former President Goodluck Jonathan retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite political pressures, reinforcing the importance of balanced appointments across religious lines.
Christian clerics under the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria (NCAGG) also weighed in, rejecting the sack call as undemocratic and lacking substantive basis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dean Rev. Ozumba Emmanuel Nicodemus, National President of NCAGG, said drastic actions against the electoral umpire risk creating unnecessary discord among peace-loving citizens and could deepen divisions at a time when national unity is critical.
Clerics stressed that the independence and integrity of INEC must be upheld to ensure credible elections, and urged the SCSN to reconsider its stance and adopt a collaborative approach that supports democratic values.
“We firmly believe that his wealth of experience as a constitutional lawyer will significantly contribute to strengthening our electoral processes,” the clerics said, advocating for mutual respect among religious and civic actors.
The dispute has ignited wider conversation about religious neutrality in public appointments and the role of faith-based organisations in political discourse, especially as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Analysts say that using religion as the basis for evaluating public officials can potentially inflame sectarian tensions, weakening public confidence in democratic institutions if not addressed sensitively and judiciously.
Christian leaders’ unified stance underscores the need to prioritise institutional integrity and democratic cohesion, while discouraging the mobilisation of religious identity as a tool for political leverage.
Their call reflects concerns that framing political survival around faith rather than competence and national interest risks deepening divisions and undermining collective progress.
Northern CAN and allied Christian clerics have firmly rejected calls to sack INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, warning that such demands are sectarian, undemocratic and could weaken Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
By advocating for competence and inclusivity in public office, these religious bodies have positioned themselves as voices for national unity and institutional respect ahead of the 2027 polls.
