Disclaimer – We Won’t Recognise Elections Conducted By Ampitan
Our attention has been drawn to an indicting, miscontrued,
malicious and befuddled statement credited to Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) of a call to remove the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan and that Muslims will not recognise any election conducted by him.
The statements is not only inflammatory but inciting and divisive rhetoric which is synonymous to treason and such offence is punishable under (1999) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as (amended).
Therefore , to us, such statements is capable of undermining national unity and confidence in the 2027 general elections and heighten political and religious tensions across the country, such assertion by (SCSN) is diametrically opposed or antipodal and individuals orchestrating such moves have flagrantly ignored the facts that Nigeria is neither an Islamic country nor is Nigeria christianity country. Infact, Nigeria is a secular country as the Constitution clearly said in Section 10 that the Government of a State or the Federal Government shall not officially adopt, endorse, or promote any religion as the state religion. This provision reinforces the secular nature of the Nigerian state and ensures neutrality in religious affairs.
As we all know, the law used in governing our nation is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended ) as written in Section 1 Subsection 1-3 of the Constitution (as amended).
Section 1, Subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) establishes the supremacy of the constitution, asserting that its provisions are binding on all authorities and persons. It forbids governance outside its provisions and voids any law inconsistent with it.
Section 1, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) prohibits illegal takeovers of government, establishing that the country can only be governed in accordance with the constitution.
Section 1, Subsection 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) establishes the supremacy of the Constitution, stating that if any other law is inconsistent with its provisions, the Constitution shall prevail, and the other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.
Therefore, no existing Muslim or Christian party in Nigeria where both Muslims and Christians dominated according to their respective faiths, as such their postulation is null and void.
While we acknowledge and respect all religion practiced in Nigeria, we want to state unequivocally clear that the demand for the INEC Chairman resignation or dismissal by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) is spurious and uncalled for and which should be discarded by all well meaning Nigerian’s. The matter above has nothing to do with elections or any of electoral activities for which he is appointed, he should therefore not be punished for taking a position as a true Nigerian. The position of INEC Chairman is based on merit and Professor Joash Ampitan deserves it and since his assumption of office he has been discharging his responsibilities with utmost sense of responsibility, unalloyed sincerity, sheer passion and commitment.
Competence, patriotism, intellectual acumen, performance, integrity, ethical values, excellence and other relevant qualifications should be a criteria and basis for assessing public office holders and not religious affiliations.
Nigeria democracy is hinged on constitutional processes, the supremacy of law and respect for independent institutions.
No one should hide under the guise of political and sectarian interests and sentiments. We make bold to say the act is a reflection of those hidden under religion to discriminate against Christians, targeted at those in appointments to sensitive national offices.
It is in the public knowledge that several individuals have served in sensitive government positions despite controversial religious antecedents without facing similar scrutiny.
The two immediate past INEC Chairmen were Muslims and during these periods Christians never raised an eyebrow.
We want to applaud His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for appointing a Christian as INEC Chairman, without mincing words, our dear President is not a religious jingoist rather he is an embodiment of inclusivity and religious sensitivity.
We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission under the jurisdiction of Professor Joash Ampitan to remain focused on it’s constitutional responsibilities and not be distracted by issues unrelated to electoral activities.
Therefore, we pass a vote of confidence on Professor Joash Ampitan and urge Nigerians to continue to have trust in the era of the INEC Chairman.
In the same vein, we urge the socio-religious groups, political actors and other stakeholders not to fall for the bait of those who have sworn to plunge our country into a state of comatose due to their coordinated political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections and framing politics along religious beliefs with the sole aim of deepening divisions, inflame religious tensions and threaten national cohesion and unity.
Nigeria belongs to all of us irrespective of our tribes or religion.
Let those using draconian ploy and antics to subvert democratic principles and constitutes a threat to democratic integrity, ideals and ethical values have a rethink.
This is a defining moment, and history will remember those who stood for justice and fairness.
Thus, in the spirit of national development and institutional clarity, this rejoinder should be read as both respectful correction and a call for adherence to the clear provisions of the law.
It could be recall that Professor Joash Ampitan was appointed INEC chairman in October 2025 after his nomination by President Bola Tinubu was approved by the National Council of State and confirmed by the Senate.
Professor Joash Ampitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the university and has held several academic and administrative positions with outstanding and notable records of service, imprints and achievements.
E- Signed:
Kogi West Young Elite Group
21st February, 2026.
