2027: Shariah Council insists INEC Chairman must go
By Idun Maximus
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has asked that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) honourably resign or be relieved of his duties by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement on Monday, the SCSN Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, said the stance of the Council was not driven by political bias or sectarian considerations, but grounded in serious concerns arising from his actions and dispositions which have demonstrated a clear prejudice against Islam and Muslims, as documented in his widely circulated legal brief.
He said that, in any rational and just society, such expressed beliefs and sentiments are fundamentally inconsistent with the principles of neutrality, integrity, and patriotism required of a holder of so sensitive a national office.
He said SCSN remains committed to its mission of fostering a just, peaceful, and prosperous society where all citizens are free to practice their religion without fear or discrimination.
He insisted that the Council will not allow itself to be used as a tool for political manipulation, nor will it be distracted from its core objectives by the antics of mischief-makers.
Meanwhile, the Council said its attention has been drawn to series of misleading and unsubstantiated reports circulating across various social media platforms.
“These reports, attributed to certain anonymous and unofficial handles, falsely allege that the Council, under the leadership of its President, has directed Muslims to embark on prayers specifically calling for the removal of the Chairman of INEC, and further insinuate that the Council has threatened that elections will not hold if such demands are not met.
“The Council categorically dissociates itself from these claims in their entirety. At no
time did the Council issue any directive, statement, or call of such nature. These
fabrications are not only false but are clearly intended to mislead the public, create
unnecessary tension, and drag the Council into the murky and often divisive waters of partisan political contestation.”
He maintained that SCSN is a reputable religious organization whose mandate is rooted in the promotion of justice, equity, moral rectitude, and the peaceful
coexistence of all citizens.
He reiterated that the Council operates above partisan interests, and has consistently maintained a principled distance from political manipulations and opportunistic narratives that could undermine national stability.
