By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Northern Nigeria Christian Professors Forum has rejected calls by the Muslim Rights Concern and the Sharia Council of Nigeria for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amputan, describing the demand as divisive, baseless and dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by its president, Professor Katuka Yaki, the forum said the attempt to challenge the INEC chairman’s appointment on religious grounds was an effort to drag the electoral body into sectarian controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that no credible evidence had been presented against the chairman and stressed that appointments in a constitutional democracy should not be based on religious sentiments.
The forum warned that politicising the leadership of INEC could erode public confidence in the electoral process and inflame existing religious tensions, insisting that the commission must remain independent and protected from religious and political pressure. It maintained that INEC is a national institution and should not be subjected to sectarian considerations that could undermine national unity and democratic governance.
NNCPF urged MURIC and the Sharia Council to withdraw their demand and instead promote peace, tolerance and stability as political activities gradually intensify toward the 2027 polls. While criticising the groups’ position, the forum commended the Young Muslim League of Nigeria and other Muslim leaders it described as taking a more objective and conciliatory stance on the issue.
Professor Yaki also cautioned religious organisations across the country against turning Nigeria’s diversity into a battleground for political influence, urging leaders to act as unifying forces.
He called on Nigerians to focus on tackling terrorism, banditry and other security challenges, stressing that the 2027 elections should be a democratic exercise rather than a religious contest.
