The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has issued a warning regarding the politicization of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership, indicating that threats of a religiously motivated election boycott pose risks of increased conflicts and could diminish public trust in Nigeria's democratic process.
This statement comes as a reaction to comments made by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), which allegedly urged for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stating that Muslims would neither recognize nor validate elections overseen by him.
In a statement released by its Governing Council Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, and Chief Executive Officer, Bosun Emmanuel, the CSMN highlighted that the president's appointment of the INEC chairman is a constitutional obligation that involves collaboration with the National Assembly. They encouraged religious organizations to be prudent in their public declarations that may exacerbate Nigeria's precarious political and security situation.
The CSMN stressed that appointments to key national institutions should strictly adhere to constitutional procedures rather than being influenced by religious motives or pressures. They referenced historical instances, noting that former President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega, a Muslim, to lead INEC without any religious opposition. Similarly, former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim, appointed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, also a Muslim, without facing the threat of an election boycott.
They raised concerns that the current discontent with Amupitan’s appointment under President Bola Tinubu might reflect more on identity than on qualifications.
Moreover, the organization argued that the ongoing dispute over Amupitan originates from a legal stance he previously took as a private attorney regarding reports about the killing of Christians in various parts of Nigeria.
The CSMN has insisted that such an opinion should not be used against his impartiality as head of the electoral commission. They stated, “The accusation labeling Prof. Amupitan a threat to democracy is quite trivial. That individual provided a legal opinion in the course of his professional duties.”
Furthermore, the group pointed to various instances of federal agency heads who have publicly made religious statements while holding office without facing demands for their resignation.
Looking beyond the immediate disputes, the CSMN called for a national discourse on constitutional amendments, especially with respect to Shari'ah's position within Nigeria's legal framework. They differentiated between Shari’ah personal law, acknowledged constitutionally, and Shari’ah criminal law, which they argued lacks specific constitutional support and has fueled unrest in segments of the country.
Citing legal scholars like Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Justice Mohammed Bello, and Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN), they asserted that components of Shari'ah criminal law contradict the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly concerning religious freedoms.
The CSMN urged religious leaders to utilize their influence for positive dialogue and constitutional reform, rather than fostering actions that could heighten sectarian divides. They cautioned that “Efforts to intensify religious disparities at a time when the nation should seek healing and fairness will only deepen mutual distrust and sectarian violence,” as stated in their announcement.
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