Islamic Law Council Refutes Demands for Electoral Chief's Ouster

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has categorically denied reports circulating on social media that it instructed Muslims to pray for the removal of Prof Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing these claims as false and misleading.

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According to a statement issued by the council, these allegations, which originated from anonymous social media handles, are blatant fabrications designed to mislead the public and entangle the organisation in a partisan political controversy.

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The statement, which was signed by the Secretary-General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, explicitly states that the council has never issued a directive or made a call for Muslims to pray for the removal of the INEC chairman or threatened that elections would not take place.

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The council has unequivocally disassociated itself from these claims, labelling them as false and intended to create unnecessary tension and confusion, and has urged the public, particularly the Muslim Ummah and the media, to disregard these reports and rely solely on official communications.

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However, the SCSN has reaffirmed its previous stance regarding the conduct of the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, reiterating that he should either resign or be relieved of his duties due to actions and dispositions that are inconsistent with the required neutrality, integrity, and patriotism.

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According to the council, its position on this matter is driven by concerns over the INEC chairman's actions and not by any political or sectarian bias, and it maintains that such expressed beliefs and sentiments are fundamentally inconsistent with the principles guiding the office.

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The SCSN has further emphasised its commitment to justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence, and has reiterated that it will not allow itself to be used as a tool for political manipulation, remaining a reputable religious organisation dedicated to these principles.

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The council has also reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a just and peaceful society where all citizens can freely practise their religion without fear or discrimination, while maintaining a principled distance from partisan politics.