Election Sh*ck: Shari’ah Council Says They Won’t Accept Polls Conducted By INEC Boss

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has called for the immediate removal of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, citing concerns that his continued tenure could undermine public confidence in the country’s democratic process.

The council warned that many Muslims may struggle to accept or validate any election conducted under his leadership.

The statement was issued in Abuja during the council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly, an event focused on discussions about Nigeria’s future, faith, justice, and leadership.

According to the council’s president, Sheikh Bashir Umar, the call for removal stems from past controversies involving the INEC chairman, which have raised doubts about his neutrality and fairness. He emphasized that credible elections are the foundation of democracy, and any questions over credibility threaten the system as a whole.

Umar highlighted a legal document allegedly authored by Prof. Amupitan, which referenced claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria. He said the document fueled fear and mistrust, particularly among Muslims, and raised concerns about the electoral body’s ability to operate without bias.

Although the Federal Government has publicly rejected the claims in the document, Umar noted that public confidence has already been affected, creating suspicion and weakening trust in the electoral process.

The council stressed that its stance is not motivated by religious rivalry, but by a commitment to fairness, justice, and national unity. Umar added 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 tensions and deepen mistrust among voters.

Consequently, the council appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene immediately, urging measures that would protect national unity and uphold democratic stability.

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