By DAYO ADESULU
SCSN Insists Removal Demand Is About Integrity, Not Religion
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended its call for the removal and prosecution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, stressing that its position is rooted in concerns over institutional integrity, neutrality, and national unity—not religious bias.
The council’s statement comes after its resolution sparked nationwide debate, particularly among Christian leaders in Nigeria’s northern states. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) criticized SCSN’s demand, warning against turning religious differences into political leverage.
In a clarification shared with TheCheer News on February 2, the SCSN said its position, initially announced during its Annual Pre-Ramadan Conference and General Assembly on January 28, 2026, was misinterpreted in public discourse.
“The Council states unequivocally that its position is not motivated by religion or sectarian considerations, but by grave concerns relating to national cohesion, institutional integrity, and constitutionalism,” the statement read.
Historical Context Underscores Neutrality Concerns
The council highlighted that Nigeria has predominantly had Christian heads of electoral bodies since independence in 1960, with Muslims never opposing these appointments on religious grounds. Of the 13 chairpersons who have led INEC, only two—Prof. Attahiru Jega and Prof. Mahmood Yakubu—were Muslims.
“This historical record decisively invalidates the claim that the present call is rooted in religious bias,” SCSN noted, emphasizing that the current concern stems from Prof. Amupitan’s documented conduct, particularly a legal brief he authored in 2020. The brief allegedly painted Nigerian Muslims as perpetrators of Christian genocide and linked current insecurity in the North to historical jihad, which the council described as “toxic, provocative, and destabilizing.”
Allegations Spark National and International Alarm
SCSN warned that presenting such claims internationally has harmed Nigeria’s reputation, leading to significant financial and diplomatic costs.
“Recent media reports allege that millions of dollars were spent on foreign lobbyists to counter these false narratives. In any responsible society, such consequences alone warrant removal and legal accountability,” the council added.
Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of SCSN and Imam of Al-Furqan Mosque in Kano, reinforced the council’s stance in an exclusive interview, emphasizing that the issue is one of integrity, not faith.
“It is about the ability to rise above personal bias and act in a manner that maintains public trust,” he said.
Support for Removal Grows Among Northern Figures
Former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant Mukhtar Adnan echoed the council’s call, questioning Prof. Amupitan’s neutrality.
“How do you expect impartiality from a man who has allegedly accused Nigerian Muslims of genocide against Christians? The evidence points to bias and tribalism, undermining his ability to lead the electoral process,” Adnan told TheCheer News.
Comrade Nura Usman, a youth activist with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Kaduna, stressed that maintaining INEC’s neutrality is critical for public confidence in elections.
“Ignoring these concerns risks voter apathy, legal challenges, and long-term erosion of trust in independent institutions like INEC,” Usman said, calling for decisive action from the President and the National Assembly.
Call for Transparent Leadership
Both Adnan and Usman emphasized that the focus should remain on transparency, integrity, and competence rather than religious or ethnic affiliation. Usman warned that failure to act could deepen divisions and polarize Nigeria along religious lines.
“Peace and national cohesion must remain Nigeria’s priority. Allowing someone with questions over character and neutrality to oversee elections could destabilize the country for decades,” Usman stated.
The SCSN concluded by urging the federal government to uphold impartial leadership in INEC, affirming support for competent governance irrespective of faith.
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