By Tgnews Reporter
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has declared that the Muslim community will not recognize any elections overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its current chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, citing deep-seated concerns over his impartiality and integrity.
The council’s president, Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar, made the announcement during the group’s annual pre-Ramadan lecture and general assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, escalating calls for Amupitan’s ouster amid allegations of divisive propaganda.
Umar accused Amupitan of authoring a controversial legal brief that portrays Christians in Nigeria as victims of genocide, a narrative the federal government has repeatedly rejected.
The brief, part of the 2020 publication Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter: Genocide in Nigeria and the Implications for the International Community, was contributed by Amupitan under the auspices of the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) and the International Organisation on Peace-building & Social Justice (PSJ).
In his 80-page chapter titled Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria, Amupitan argued that attacks by Boko Haram and alleged “Fulani herdsmen” constitute a coordinated anti-Christian campaign, meeting international criteria for genocide and necessitating global intervention.
“We demand the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman,” Umar stated, emphasizing that elections conducted “under a cloud of compromised integrity” cannot be deemed credible.
He described Amupitan’s work as containing “treasonous undertones” and warned that it fuels national division and instability. The council urged President Tinubu to dismiss or compulsorily retire Amupitan, asserting that democratic credibility must remain uncompromised.
This is not the first time the SCSN has voiced opposition. In a prior statement, the council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, expressed “serious concern” over the brief, labeling it “toxic” and “bigoted” for its portrayal of northern conflicts. Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, condemned the document as “shocking,” questioning Amupitan’s ability to ensure fair elections.
Umar also addressed broader issues during the assembly, rejecting foreign interference in Nigeria’s affairs, opposing the establishment of foreign military bases, and criticizing unjust tax reforms.
He called on the National Assembly to hold public hearings and conduct forensic reviews of laws passed since the 10th Assembly’s inception.
Additionally, he condemned terrorism in all forms and advocated for enhanced security measures and reconciliation to protect all Nigerians.
On constitutional matters, Umar warned against amendments that could erode Muslims’ rights to Shari’ah law, noting that it applies solely to Muslims and does not infringe on others’ freedoms. He cited the recent dismissal of a court case attempting to halt Shari’ah panels in Oyo State as evidence of its legitimacy.
House of Representatives member Sani Jaji praised the conference for guiding Islamic scholars on addressing national challenges during Ramadan lectures. Madakin Zazzau, Mal. Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru, hailed the SCSN as a “credible and principled voice” for Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah.
INEC has not officially responded to the demands. Efforts to reach the commission’s media aide and Director of Voter Education were unsuccessful.
However, an anonymous INEC official told Daily Trust that such calls fall under the appointing authority’s purview, not the commission’s. The official defended Amupitan’s appointment as constitutional and compliant with the Electoral Act, noting he underwent necessary screening.
The source stressed that INEC functions as a collegiate body with 12 national commissioners making collective decisions, not the chairman alone.
“The commission remains focused on its constitutional duties and will not be distracted by issues unrelated to electoral activities,” the official added, reaffirming INEC’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections nationwide.
The SCSN indicated support for ongoing legal challenges to Amupitan’s appointment, signaling potential escalation if demands are unmet.
As Nigeria approaches future polls, this controversy could deepen religious and political tensions in Africa’s most populous nation.
Join our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone.
Join for News Updates ✕
