By Emmanuel Kwada
In a sharp rebuttal to mounting religious tensions in Nigeria’s political arena, the National Christian Alliance for Good Governance has condemned the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria’s (SCSN) demand for the removal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, labeling it as undemocratic and divisive.
The Alliance’s formal letter, dated January 28, urges the Muslim body to retract its stance and prioritize national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy erupted after the SCSN, during its 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, renewed calls for Amupitan’s immediate dismissal and prosecution.
SCSN President Sheikh Bashir Umar argued that a legal brief authored by Amupitan, which alleged a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria—a claim dismissed by the federal government—undermines his impartiality and threatens electoral credibility.
Umar warned that Muslims nationwide would not recognize any polls conducted under his leadership, emphasizing the need for a chairman whose integrity is beyond reproach.
In response, the Christian Alliance, led by National President Dean Rev. Ozumba Emmanuel Nicodemus, dismissed the SCSN’s position as lacking substantive basis and warned that such public demands could sow unnecessary division among Nigerians.
“Utilizing your esteemed platform to call for such drastic measures can create unnecessary division among the peace-loving citizens of our nation,” the letter states. “In these critical times, it is imperative that we foster unity and cooperation among all Nigerians, regardless of faith or background.”
The Alliance praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Amupitan, highlighting his extensive experience as a constitutional lawyer.
“We firmly believe that his wealth of experience… will significantly contribute to strengthening our electoral processes,” the letter reads. “His appointment offers the promise of impartiality and fairness, essential qualities for the upcoming elections.”
They stressed the importance of upholding INEC’s independence, free from external pressures, to ensure free and fair 2027 polls where every citizen can vote confidently.
This exchange highlights deepening fissures along religious lines in Nigeria’s fragile democracy, where appointments to key institutions like INEC often spark debates over neutrality. Amupitan’s controversial brief, penned years ago, has resurfaced as a flashpoint, with the SCSN viewing it as evidence of bias against Muslims.
Critics argue the document, which detailed alleged persecutions, contradicts official government narratives denying systematic genocide.
The Christian Alliance concluded by appealing for collaboration: “In light of these considerations, we urge the Council to reconsider its stance and support a collaborative approach that upholds the democratic values we all cherish.”
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