The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has warned that Muslims across the country will neither recognise nor legitimise any election conducted under the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.
The Council described Amupitan’s continued tenure as a threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process and renewed calls for his immediate removal.
President of the Council, Sheikh Bashir Umar, made the declaration on Wednesday during the Council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice, and Leadership,” Umar accused the INEC chief of compromising his neutrality through alleged divisive actions, including a legal brief purportedly authored by him that claimed a Christian genocide exists in Nigeria.
“The government has repeatedly dismissed such claims, which are contrary to Nigeria’s official position,” Umar said.
“For an umpire in a democratic process, integrity and impartiality are non-negotiable. His continued leadership undermines the nation’s electoral credibility. The honourable thing is for him to resign; if not, the government must dismiss or retire him.”
Umar stressed that while the Council does not engage in litigation, it is aware that other groups have approached courts to challenge Amupitan’s appointment.
“The Ummah will not recognise or legitimise any election presided over by a character with questionable integrity,” he added.
The Council also raised concerns over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, poor budget implementation, perceived imbalance in federal appointments, and threats to Muslims’ constitutional right to practice Shari’ah in Muslim-majority states. It rejected narratives of a Christian genocide, warning that such claims fuel division and threaten national unity.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Funds and member representing Kaura-Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, Aminu Sani Jaji, said the lecture was timely given Nigeria’s growing security and socio-political challenges.
He described Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection and urged responsible engagement by religious leaders to prevent divisive narratives from undermining national cohesion.
Jaji also dismissed allegations of religious persecution, stressing that Nigeria remains a secular state, despite being listed by the United States as a country of particular concern.
In his remarks, the Madakin Zazzau, Malam Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru, praised the SCSN for consistently promoting unity, justice, peaceful coexistence, and national development through principled dialogue and engagement with government and society since its establishment.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment