Don't use Amupitan's private practice to divide Nigeria - Onoh cautions SCSN

The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Denge. Josef Onoh, has disagreed with the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) on its call for removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The SCSN through its President, Sheikh Bashir Umar, had asked President Tinubu to remove Amupitan because of a matter credited to his private practice as a lawyer which SCSN feels was injurious to them.

But Onoh is a statement he made available in Abuja, on Thursday, condemned the council's position on the INEC chairman, noting that the demand represents an unwarranted assault on institutional independence, democratic processes, and national unity. 

Onoh described SCSN's position as divisive, stating that President Tinubu's appointment of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman was deliberate, a merit-based decision grounded in the professor's proven professional competence, legal expertise as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), academic credentials, and track record of integrity. 

"It was not influenced by emotions, personal feelings, religious affiliations, or ethnic considerations. The President, in line with constitutional provisions and the need for a credible electoral umpire, selected an individual capable of upholding the independence and impartiality of INEC. Such appointments are made in the national interest, not to appease sectional interests. Consequently, there is no basis—legal, moral, or factual for Prof. Amupitan's removal," Onoh said.

Onoh affirmed that Amupitan will continue to serve with the full backing of the Presidency and in accordance with the law, stating that the SCSN's declaration that Muslims across Nigeria would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under Amupitan's leadership is profoundly dangerous. 

"This amounts to a veiled threat to boycott or de-legitimise future elections, which directly undermines the democratic foundation of our nation. It seeks to truncate the democratic process by preemptively casting doubt on the integrity of INEC before any election has even occurred, solely based on a past legal opinion expressed by the chairman in his private professional capacity. 

"Such rhetoric weaponizes religion, inflames tensions, and promotes division along faith lines at a time when Nigeria needs unity to address security, economic, and social challenges. No individual, group, or council—regardless of religious standing—has the authority to dictate the removal of a constitutionally appointed public official or to pronounce elections illegitimate in advance. 

"This approach does not advance justice or faith; it erodes national cohesion and invites chaos. Under President Tinubu's leadership, no region, no religious body, and no sectional interest will be allowed to divide Nigeria or hold our democracy hostage. The President remains committed to one indivisible Nigeria where merit, fairness, and the rule of law prevail over primordial sentiments."

Onoh urged the SCSN and all patriotic Nigerians to embrace dialogue, respect institutional autonomy, and focus on constructive contributions to nation-building rather than threats that could destabilise Nigeria.

Onoh said that President Tinubu's administration will continue to protect democracy, promote inclusivity, and ensure that elections remain free, fair, and credible for all citizens—irrespective of faith or ethnicity.

"Nigeria will rise above divisive tactics. Unity and progress shall prevail."