Northern CAN in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected calls for removal of INEC Chairman.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as an attempt to politicise religion and undermine a key national institution.

The Shari’ah Council had earlier called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman, citing concerns over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims relating to persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and its Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the Christian body questioned the motive behind the demand, asking who was sponsoring the call and why such interests were being pursued under the platform of a religious organisation.

Northern CAN cautioned that using religion as a basis for questioning the integrity of public office holders was dangerous and capable of inflaming sectarian tensions.