The Christian Media Forum has raised strong objections to a recent call by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, allegedly on the basis of his religious faith.
Describing the demand as baseless, divisive and deeply unfortunate, the forum warned that such rhetoric undermines Nigeria’s constitutional principles of fairness, inclusion and freedom of religion. Akahi News gathered that the forum considers the call capable of heating up the polity at a sensitive time for national unity and democratic stability.
Forum Defends Merit-Based Leadership in Public Office
In a statement jointly signed by the National President of the Christian Media Forum, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and the National Secretary, Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, the organisation stressed that Nigeria’s democracy thrives when public office holders are assessed strictly on competence, integrity and performance, rather than religious or ethnic affiliations.
The forum strongly disagreed with the position reportedly taken by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah that Muslims across the country would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under an INEC Chairman whose integrity is allegedly in question.
According to the forum, such declarations risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and could inflame religious sentiments across the country if not responsibly managed.
Akahi News learnt that the controversial statement was allegedly made by the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah, Sheikh Bashir Umar, during the Council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Warning Against Religious Tension and Political Instability
The Christian Media Forum expressed concern over the timing and context of the statement, describing it as insensitive and capable of generating unnecessary tension and chaos nationwide.
The forum noted that Nigeria is already grappling with major challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship and social instability, which require collective responsibility and national cooperation rather than divisive rhetoric.
It cautioned that respected religious bodies, particularly those with wide followership and influence, should avoid statements that may promote religious intolerance or threaten peaceful coexistence.
“No individual or group should attempt to heat up the polity at a time when national unity and peace are urgently needed. It is too early and inappropriate for any religious organisation to begin making statements capable of undermining the credibility of future electoral processes,” the forum stated.
Call for Responsible Leadership and National Cohesion
The forum urged the Supreme Council for Shari’ah to channel its influence towards supporting the Federal Government in addressing insecurity and socio-economic challenges facing the nation, especially in the northern region.
It reaffirmed the responsibility of religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance and national cohesion, rather than actions that could deepen divisions or inflame public emotions.
The organisation also called on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard any statements capable of inciting religious intolerance or threatening peaceful coexistence.
Akahi News gathered that the forum reaffirmed its confidence in INEC as a constitutional body mandated to conduct free, fair and credible elections, urging the commission’s leadership to remain focused on its constitutional responsibilities without undue pressure from sectional interests.
Nigeria Belongs to All, Forum Insists
Emphasising inclusiveness, the forum maintained that Nigeria belongs to all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity or political persuasion, and warned against politicising or weaponising leadership positions along religious lines.
It therefore called on all religious and civic leaders to exercise restraint, uphold national unity and work collectively towards building a peaceful, stable and democratic Nigeria.
As public discourse continues to evolve around the issue, stakeholders are expected to prioritise dialogue, constitutionalism and mutual respect in safeguarding Nigeria’s fragile democratic space.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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