Christian leaders back Josiah Amupitan amid bias claims
A coalition of Northern Christian clerics has voiced strong opposition to the growing calls for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Josiah Amupitan.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 29, 2026, the leaders urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard petitions from groups alleging religious and ethnic biases. The clerics argued that the calls for his sack are “politically motivated” and designed to destabilize the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy surrounding Amupitan intensified following a series of protests by certain Islamic groups in Katsina and other parts of the North. These groups alleged that the Chairman’s recent administrative changes within the commission favored a specific region and religion. However, the Christian leaders maintained that Amupitan has shown a commitment to transparency and has been working to clean up the voter register using “National” digital standards.
The clerics warned that a frequent change in the leadership of INEC is a “clog in the wheel” of electoral progress. They insisted that the “Renewed Hope” agenda for credible elections can only be achieved if the commission is allowed to function independently without constant political interference. “The Chairman should be judged by his performance and adherence to the law, not by the noise of those who fear a transparent process,” the group stated.
Tension rises as religious groups split on INEC leadership
The division between various religious and interest groups in the North reflects the high stakes surrounding the upcoming electoral cycle. While some groups in the North-West are demanding a more “balanced” representation in the INEC board, others see the current leadership as a necessary force for reform. This “National” debate has placed President Tinubu in a delicate position as he balances regional demands with the need for institutional stability.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North has called for a “National” dialogue to de-escalate the tension and prevent the electoral process from becoming a religious battleground. They argued that Amupitan, who was recently appointed to bring a “gold standard” of academic and legal expertise to the commission, deserves the benefit of the doubt. They further noted that his “Renewed Hope” initiatives, such as the decentralization of voter registration, are already benefiting rural communities regardless of their faith.
Ensuring a stable path toward the 2027 elections
As the debate rages, INEC has continued its preparations for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise scheduled for later this year. The commission has remained silent on the calls for the Chairman’s sack, focusing instead on technical upgrades to the BVAS and IReV systems. Analysts suggest that the “Sanctity” of the ballot depends on the commission’s ability to remain neutral amidst the escalating “National” pressure.
The Christian clerics concluded by calling on all Nigerians to prioritize peace and national unity over sectarian interests. They reminded political actors that the “Ritual of Elections” must be supported by a solid and trusted umpire. For now, Professor Josiah Amupitan remains at the helm, but the shadow of regional politics continues to loom large over his administration as 2026 unfolds.
