2027: Don’t Drag INEC into Religious Politics – Christian Group Warn Shari’a Council

A Christian organisation has cautioned religious bodies against turning the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into a faith-based political battle ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) said attempts to pressure INEC leadership along religious lines could inflame tensions and damage public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The group spoke after the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) demanded the resignation of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. The Islamic body accused him of lacking neutrality and warned that Muslims might reject elections conducted under his watch.

In a joint statement signed by Elder Sunday Oibe and Bosun Emmanuel, CSMN said Nigeria’s democracy must not be dragged into religious confrontation at a time of rising insecurity and political uncertainty.

“With the many challenges confronting Nigeria today, every patriotic citizen ought to exercise great restraint with actions and statements capable of escalating an already volatile situation,” the CSMN said.

The Christian group explained that it was not defending any government or official. It said its concern was about protecting national unity and constitutional order. According to the group, appointments into key institutions must follow legal procedures, not pressure from religious interests.

CSMN recalled that previous INEC chairmen came from different religious backgrounds without threats of election boycotts. It warned that the current dispute could open a dangerous path where faith determines acceptance of national institutions.

“By raising the present concern, this Movement is neither holding brief for the Tinubu administration nor playing partisan politics, but merely insists that religious groups should not constitute themselves into promoters of injustice and inequality.

“Reasonable efforts should rather be towards deescalating the tensions already created in the name of religion, not fanning the same terrible embers,” the clerics stated.

The organisation said prolonged religious mobilisation over state appointments could weaken trust in INEC and other federal bodies. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength, not a weapon for political pressure.

On wider constitutional arguments raised by some Islamic groups, CSMN called for clearer legal interpretation of Sharia within Nigeria’s plural legal system. It urged reforms that would promote fairness and reduce suspicion among citizens.

“Attempts to deepen the religious imbalance when the country should be seeking healing and fairness will only drag it deeper into mutual suspicion and sectarian violence,” it said.

CSMN appealed to religious leaders, civil society groups and politicians to embrace dialogue and avoid statements capable of triggering unrest. It stressed that stability depends on respect for institutions and constitutional processes.