The Middle Belt Youths Forum has accused the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) of making statements capable of undermining national unity and confidence in the 2027 general elections, following the council’s call for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

In a statement issued on 31 January 2026 and signed by its leader, Comrade Meliga Godwin, the youth group described remarks attributed to the SCSN as “inflammatory and divisive rhetoric”, warning that they could erode public trust in democratic institutions and heighten political and religious tensions across the country.

The forum was reacting to comments credited to the SCSN suggesting that the Muslim Ummah would not recognise any election conducted by INEC under Amupitan’s leadership. According to the group, attempts, whether real or perceived, to delegitimise the electoral body ahead of a national election pose a risk to national stability.

“Your plot to undermine the 2027 election is an act of treason,” the statement said.

The Middle Belt youths stressed that Nigeria’s democracy is anchored on constitutional processes, the rule of law and respect for independent institutions, urging socio-religious organisations, political actors and other stakeholders to exercise restraint in public communication and pursue dialogue through lawful means.

They also called on INEC, civil society organisations and security agencies to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring transparency, inclusiveness and credibility in the electoral process, noting that peaceful elections are a collective responsibility. Reaffirming their commitment to national unity, the group urged Nigerians to prioritise peaceful coexistence and constructive participation in the democratic process as preparations for the 2027 polls intensify.

The warning followed a BBC interview with the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar, in which he said Nigerian Muslims would not accept election results conducted under Prof. Amupitan as INEC chairman.

Sheikh Umar described Amupitan’s continued leadership of the commission as a potential threat to national stability.

“We stand by what we said and the INEC chairman has not come out to say we lied. He stands by what he believes and does not see the need to come out and talk about it,” Sheikh Umar said.

He added that Amupitan’s alleged past actions, including a legal brief in which he reportedly referred to a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, raised concerns about neutrality.

“We believe that anyone holding this position must be someone who has been investigated by the government and will not be biased. The right thing is for him to resign; if not, the government should remove him because the electoral process under him is something people will not believe in,” he said.

Prof. Amupitan 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 on 16 October. 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. (Guardian)

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