A major Christian group has strongly opposed a call by a Muslim council for Nigeria’s top election official to be removed because of his faith. The Christian Media Forum labeled the demand as dangerous and divisive.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had asked for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to be sacked. They questioned his integrity and stated Muslims would not accept elections under his leadership.
The Christian Forum rejected this completely. In a joint statement by its leaders, the group said such talk attacks Nigeria’s constitution and principles of fairness. They argued officials must be judged by competence, not religion.
The forum warned that this demand, made during a religious lecture in Abuja, could damage public trust in democracy and stir up religious conflict. They noted the country faces serious security and economic problems already.
They urged all religious leaders to promote peace and national unity instead of division. The forum asked Nigerians to ignore calls that incite religious intolerance.
Reaffirming its confidence in INEC, the group called on the commission to stay focused on its duty. It stressed that Nigeria belongs to everyone and leadership must never be decided by faith alone.
