By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has officially dismissed reports claiming it directed Muslims to engage in special prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

In a statement released by the Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, the council described the viral claims as false and misleading. He noted that the organization had been flooded with inquiries following these “unsubstantiated reports” attributed to anonymous sources.

The Council categorically dissociated itself from the directive, stating that at no point did it issue any call for such prayers. It warned that these fabrications were a deliberate attempt to create tension and drag the religious body into partisan political controversies.

Despite debunking the prayer order, the Council reaffirmed its earlier position that the INEC chairman should resign or be removed. They clarified that this stance is based on concerns regarding neutrality and integrity, rather than sectarian or political interests.

The SCSN emphasized that its criticisms are rooted in alleged actions by the chairman that demonstrate prejudice against Islam and Muslims. They argued such bias is inconsistent with the responsibilities of a sensitive national office in a pluralistic society.

The Council urged the public and the media to rely only on official communication channels. It reiterated its commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence while vowing to resist any attempts at political manipulation by mischief-makers.