The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.
The group described the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and weaken a critical national institution.
The call for Amupitan’s removal was earlier made by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, which demanded his immediate removal and prosecution. The council based its position on a legal brief in which the INEC chairman reportedly acknowledged claims related to the persecution of Christians in the country. 
Reacting to the demand, Northern CAN issued a statement on Thursday jointly signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga. The group questioned the motive behind the call, asking who was sponsoring it and why such interests were being pushed under a religious platform.
Northern CAN warned that using religion to challenge the credibility of public office holders was dangerous and could trigger sectarian tension across the country.
The association stated that Professor Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has a constitutional right to freedom of religion. It added that expressing concern about challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or make someone unfit for public office.
The group noted that many Muslims had previously held sensitive national positions while openly linked to religious causes without facing similar pressure. It urged Nigerians to focus on competence, integrity and national interest rather than religious identity.
Northern CAN also expressed worry that the controversy reinforces long-standing complaints of discrimination against Christians, especially in appointments to key national offices. It recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria and cautioned against any suggestion that leadership of the electoral body should be limited to a particular religion.
The association stated, “Anyone hiding under the guise of a religious council to demand the removal of the INEC chairman for political or sectarian reasons should come out openly,” adding that competence, not faith, should remain the standard for public service.
Northern CAN praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the move as a sign of inclusiveness and national unity. It also referenced former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman despite political pressure at the time.
The group advised the Shari’ah Council to clearly identify any individual or group behind the campaign against the INEC chairman, warning that religious bodies should not be used to advance political interests or intimidate public officials.
Northern CAN also urged Professor Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy, but to remain focused on his constitutional duty to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
“He should concentrate on doing what is right for Nigerians and not be drawn into distractions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process,” the statement said.
The association further raised concerns about what it described as signs of a coordinated political agenda ahead of the 2027 general election. It referred to recent comments attributed to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, suggesting that the ruling party could face defeat if it abandons a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket for President Tinubu’s re-election.
According to Northern CAN, when such comments are viewed alongside sustained criticism of a Christian INEC chairman, they raise questions about a wider effort to weaken Christian confidence and participation in politics.
The group warned against shaping Nigeria’s political future strictly along religious lines, stressing that democracy should be driven by competence, fairness and national unity.
It cautioned that any attempt to restrict political leadership to a particular faith or region could deepen divisions and threaten the country’s fragile cohesion.
