Shariah Council Demands Removal of INEC Chairman, Rejects Federal Tax Reform

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, alleging that his actions have compromised the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
At the same time, the council expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’s tax reform, arguing that it places undue hardship on ordinary Nigerians. The council maintained that fiscal policies should be fair, humane, and socially responsible.
Speaking at the council’s ongoing annual pre-Ramadan lecture and general assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, the President of the SCSN, Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, said no election conducted under compromised conditions could be regarded as credible. The event was attended by Islamic scholars and delegates from across the country.
“We demand the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman and declare that no election conducted under a cloud of compromised integrity can be recognised as credible,” Umar stated.
He explained that the INEC chairman’s position in a legal brief alleging the existence of a Christian genocide—an allegation the Federal Government has categorically denied—puts him at odds with the official position of the nation. Umar described this stance as unacceptable and evidence of religious bias.
According to him, the role of the INEC chairman as an impartial umpire in Nigeria’s democratic process requires complete neutrality, which he said has been undermined.
“We need someone whose integrity is not compromised. Given the situation, we believe the honourable thing for him to do is to resign. If not, the government should dismiss him or compulsorily retire him from service, as his integrity is clearly compromised as far as we are concerned,” he said.
Umar also criticised what he described as the soft handling of a serious criminal and unconstitutional act by some executive officials who allegedly altered a bill already approved by both chambers of the National Assembly.
He called on the legislature to conduct a public hearing and carry out a comprehensive forensic review of all laws passed since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
“The Council unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and calls on the government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to protect every Nigerian life through decisive security action and peaceful reconciliation, including addressing the concerns of aggrieved victims,” he said.
The council also rejected what it described as false and inflammatory propaganda surrounding claims of a “Christian genocide,” warning that such narratives promote division, mistrust, and national instability.
In addition, Umar stated that the council strongly opposes foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and the establishment of any foreign military base in the country. He reaffirmed that the religious freedom of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah is constitutionally guaranteed and non-negotiable.
Speaking separately, the Madakin Zazzau, Malam Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru, said the council has, since its establishment, served as a credible and principled voice for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
He noted that the council has consistently shown concern not only for religious matters but also for the unity, wellbeing, and development of Nigeria.
According to him, the council has distinguished itself through strategic engagement, guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, defence of constitutional rights, promotion of peaceful coexistence, advocacy for justice, and constructive engagement with government and society on critical national issues.