The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) issued a stark warning ahead of the 2027 general elections. During its 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture in Abuja, the council declared that Nigerian Muslims would not recognize any election conducted under the leadership of Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The council’s president, Sheikh Bashir Umar, led the call for Amupitan’s immediate removal, stating his continued tenure posed a “serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.”
Core Demand for Resignation or Dismissal
The council anchored its demand on what it described as Professor Amupitan’s questionable integrity and lack of neutrality. Sheikh Bashir Umar was unequivocal in his stance, stating, “The honourable thing is for him to resign. If he does not, the government should dismiss or retire him.”
The council argued that for the head of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, impartiality was non-negotiable. Moreover it framed Amupitan’s removal as essential for preserving the legitimacy of the nation’s future elections.
Legal Brief at the Heart of the Controversy
Specifically the council’s objection centered on a legal brief allegedly authored by Amupitan. The document reportedly sought to establish the existence of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Sheikh Umar highlighted that this position directly contradicted the Federal Government’s repeated dismissal of such claims. Therefore the council viewed the chairman’s alleged authorship as “divisive propaganda” that fatally compromised his ability to serve as an impartial arbiter.
INEC’s Dismissive Response
When confronted with these allegations, INEC offered a sharp rebuttal. A source within the commission dismissed the council’s claims entirely.
According to reports, the commission described the accusations as an attempt to attract publicity and stated it would not dignify them with a formal response.
This reaction underscored the deepening rift between a key religious advocacy body and the nation’s top electoral institution.
Broader Council Concerns
Beyond the electoral issue, the council used the forum to express wider grievances. It pointed to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and poor budget implementation.
Additionally, the council raised concerns about an alleged imbalance in federal appointments and what it described as attempts to undermine Muslims’ constitutional right to practise Shari’ah in Muslim majority states. It also firmly rejected narratives of a Christian genocide, warning that such claims fuel dangerous divisions.
A Firm Stance on Future Elections
In conclusion, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria remained resolute. Sheikh Bashir Umar declared that the Muslim community, or Ummah, would not legitimize any electoral process overseen by a compromised figure.
“The Ummah will not recognise or legitimise any election presided over by a character with questionable integrity,” he stated, adding that “democratic credibility must never be compromised.” This declaration set a formidable precondition for the acceptance of the 2027 elections.
