Mike Odeh James
Abuja
The Christian Media Forum has expressed deep concern over the recent call by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, on the basis of his religious faith.
The forum described the call as baseless, unfortunate, and highly divisive, noting that such a demand undermines Nigeria’s constitutional principles of fairness, inclusion, and religious freedom.
The Christian Media Forum said it believes that Nigeria’s democracy thrives when public office holders are assessed based on competence, integrity, and performance, rather than religious or ethnic affiliations.
The forum recalled that the Supreme Council for Shari’ah had reportedly stated that Muslims across the country would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under the leadership of an INEC Chairman whose integrity is allegedly under question.
The Christian Media Forum strongly said it strongly disagrees with this position, stressing that such statements are capable of eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and inflaming religious sentiments.
This was contained 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 forum noted that the call for the removal of the INEC Chairman reportedly came from 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.
The Christian Media Forum said it finds the timing and context of the statement not only insensitive but also capable of generating unnecessary tension and chaos across the country.
According to the forum, Nigeria is already grappling with serious challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and social instability, which require collective responsibility rather than divisive rhetoric.
The forum cautioned that statements capable of promoting religious intolerance should be avoided by respected religious bodies, especially those with wide followership and influence.
The Christian Media Forum stressed that no individual or group should attempt to heat up the polity at a time when national unity and peace are urgently needed.
It further noted that it is too early and inappropriate for any religious organisation to begin making statements that could undermine the credibility of future electoral processes.
The forum urged the Supreme Council for Shari’ah to channel the same energy and influence towards supporting the Federal Government in addressing the insecurity and socio-economic challenges bedeviling the nation the Northern part in particular.
The Christian Media Forum said it believes that religious leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, tolerance, and national cohesion rather than actions that may deepen divisions.
The forum called on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard any calls or statements that could incite religious intolerance or threaten peaceful coexistence.
It reaffirmed its confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission as a constitutional body mandated to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
The Christian Media Forum urged the leadership of INEC to remain focused on its core mandate without distractions or undue pressure from sectional interests.
The Forum emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, irrespective of faith, and that leadership positions should never be politicised or weaponised along religious lines.
The Christian Media Forum therefore called on all religious and civic leaders to exercise restraint, uphold national unity, and work collectively towards a peaceful, stable, and democratic Nigeria.
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