Shari’ah Council Says Nigerian Muslims Won’t Accept Elections Under INEC Chairman Amupitan

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has raised serious concerns over the leadership of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, stating that Muslims in the country may not recognise elections conducted under his tenure. The council cited issues of credibility, impartiality, and trust in the electoral process as key reasons for their stance.

Speaking at the council’s Annual Pre‑Ramadan Assembly in Abuja, SCSN President Sheikh Bashir Umar called for urgent reforms, emphasizing that free and fair elections require a neutral and trusted electoral leadership. He warned that elections conducted under perceived biased leadership risk losing legitimacy among millions of Nigerian voters.

Sheikh Umar also criticised what he described as divisive claims and controversial actions linked to the INEC chairman, saying they further erode public confidence in the commission. The council insisted that any leadership failing to ensure impartiality should step down or be replaced to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

Beyond the leadership issue, the council highlighted national challenges, including insecurity, economic difficulties, and perceived imbalance in federal appointments. They warned that ignoring these issues could intensify tensions and threaten national unity.

The SCSN reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence among religious communities and condemned claims of targeted attacks against any group, describing such narratives as potentially harmful to the country’s stability.