We Won’t Accept Any Election Conducted By Him – Shari’ah Council Seeks INEC Chairman’s Removal

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over concerns surrounding his continued stay in office.

Naijaonpoint reports that the council said his presence at the head of the electoral body could damage public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.

It added that many Muslims across the country may find it difficult to accept or validate any election conducted under his leadership.

The call was made in Abuja during the council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly.

The event focused on Nigeria’s future, with discussions centred on faith, justice and leadership.

According to the council’s president, Sheikh Bashir Umar, the demand is based on past issues linked to the INEC chairman, which he said have raised serious doubts about neutrality and fairness.

He explained that the credibility of elections remains the backbone of democracy and any uncertainty around that credibility puts the entire system at risk.

Umar referred to a legal document allegedly written by the INEC chairman that mentioned claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

He said the document had deepened fear and mistrust, especially among Muslims, and created concerns about whether the electoral body can operate without bias.

He noted that although the Federal Government has publicly rejected the claim contained in the document, the association alone has already affected public confidence.

According to him, the situation has created suspicion and weakened trust in the electoral process.

The council stressed that its position is not driven by religious rivalry but by the need for fairness, justice and unity.

Umar stated that Nigeria’s progress depends on leaders and institutions that bring citizens together rather than divide them along religious lines.

He warned that conducting future elections under the current INEC leadership could increase tension across the country and deepen existing mistrust among voters.

The council therefore appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene without delay.

It urged the authorities to take steps that would protect national unity and ensure democratic stability.

Umar added that Nigeria deserves an electoral commission that enjoys the confidence of all citizens, regardless of faith or background.