Why Angry Words Won’t Build Nigeria: A Reality Check on Religion, Elections, and National Progress
Nigeria is at a crossroads, and if there’s one thing draining our national discourse, it’s unexamined anger dressed in religious language. Too often, segments of our society act as if their view represents the heart of the entire nation, yet their arguments don’t stand up to even the simplest scrutiny.
Recently, the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) made headlines by declaring that Muslims across Nigeria will not recognise the legitimacy of any election conducted under the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan. The group even called for his removal, arguing that his past work and writings compromise his ability to oversee elections fairly.
This declaration has ignited furious debate across political, social, and religious lines — prompting questions about the role of faith in politics and the real challenges facing our nation.
Let’s unpack this carefully.
1. What Actually Happened: The Sharia Council’s Position
At the 2026 annual pre‑Ramadan lecture — focused on “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice and Leadership” — the President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, demanded that Professor Amupitan be removed as INEC Chairman. The Council claims his continued leadership undermines election credibility nationwide and says Muslims won’t accept elections under him.
Why? Because of a legal brief Professor Amupitan authored in 2020 discussing violence against Christians in parts of Nigeria — something the Council says shows bias.
But let’s pause here and separate opinion from constitutional reality.
2. Who Is Professor Joash Amupitan?
Understanding the person at the centre of this controversy helps provide context.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN is a distinguished academic, legal scholar, and administrator. He was sworn in as INEC Chairman on October 23, 2025, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Professor Amupitan’s mandate — under the Nigerian Constitution — is to deliver free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
His appointment was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate following due process, and he is expected to lead the Commission as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
3. Can One’s Opinion Disqualify Them From Office?
Here’s the legal reality: There is no constitutional provision that disqualifies someone from public service simply because they wrote an opinion, including on sensitive issues like human rights abuses.
In a democracy, individuals — whether they be academics, lawyers, journalists, or citizens — have the right to express views. It is when actions violate the Constitution or law that questions of eligibility arise.
Calling on the removal of a public officer because of past opinion alone is not grounded in law. For an electoral body to be credible and independent, it must be judged on actions, not rumors or interpretations about past writings.
4. A Nation Divided by Narrative More Than Facts
The SCSN’s stance has been widely criticised — not just by Christians, but also by many Muslims who believe religion should not be weaponised against national institutions.
For example, the North West Muslim Elders Forum publicly rebuked Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar’s position as misleading and self‑serving, urging the government to focus on policies and institutional reforms instead of stirred rhetoric.
Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has categorically rejected the call to remove Professor Amupitan, asserting that such demands risk further dividing a fragile nation and undermining confidence in democratic institutions.
Both arguments — those calling for removal and those rejecting it — show how religious emotion has taken over reasoned debate.
5. Are Elections Really About Religion?
Let’s be clear:
The INEC Chairman position is not determined by religion. Professor Amupitan is a Nigerian citizen confirmed through constitutional process.
Elections in Nigeria are not won or lost by the faith of the INEC Chairman — they are decided by the voters and established electoral laws.
A fair election requires technology, transparency, logistics, and legal oversight — not religious consensus.
In fact, technological improvements like the Bi‑Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have reduced fraud and impersonation, demonstrating the institutional capacity for integrity.
So no — elections are not decided by the INEC Chairman’s religion.
6. Ask Hard Questions: What Really Threatens Nigeria’s Progress?
If we want to improve Nigeria, let’s stop pretending that religion is the root problem and start focusing on real issues:
Insecurity and banditry, particularly affecting northern regions
Education deficits and literacy levels
Healthcare system weaknesses
Poverty and unemployment
Infrastructure gaps
These are measurable problems that impact the daily lives of millions.
And no — changing the INEC Chairman’s religion will not miraculously solve these issues.
7. Religion as a Tool or as a Mirror?
Religion shouldn’t be reduced to a political weapon or a simplistic identity marker.
Yet, we often see charismatic voices using religious language to mobilise followers rather than to unite citizens around shared solutions.
We must question:
When religion enters politics, does it build bridges or deepen divisions?
Does invoking faith create understanding — or distract from accountability?
True development — in technology, education, justice, and governance — thrives when we approach problems with reason and facts rather than emotion.
8. Hypocrisy in National Conversation
A glaring irony is that many advocates of strict religious positions send their children abroad for education and healthcare — to countries where religion plays no direct role in governance.
That contradiction isn’t just rhetorical — it highlights how elite preferences often differ from real national policies affecting ordinary citizens.
Let’s ask ourselves:
Are we shaping national priorities for majority benefit — or for personal prestige and power?
9. In Conclusion: Keep Debate Constructive
Here’s what every thoughtful Nigerian — Muslim and Christian, young and old — needs to understand:
Religion should not determine the legitimacy of public institutions.
Elections should be won at the ballot box, not discredited through rhetoric.
Public office holders must be judged by actions, competence, and integrity.
We must shift national conversation from identity politics to solutions for Nigerians.
If Professor Amupitan conducts free, fair, and credible elections, the Nigerian people should — and must — accept the results. That’s how democracy works.
And if there are genuine, transparent concerns about irregularities, those too should be addressed through courts and constitutional mechanisms — not threats.
Nigeria’s future belongs to those who build, not those who shout.
Let’s choose reason over rage.
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