By Muhammad Mamman
A leading Islamic advocacy organisation has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, warning that his continued tenure could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s forthcoming 2027 general election.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) said Professor Amupitan’s past actions and writings raise serious questions about his suitability to lead the electoral body, particularly in a multi-religious society such as Nigeria. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the group’s Kano State chairman, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, MURIC described Amupitan’s position as untenable and called for his immediate removal, resignation or even prosecution. 
MURIC’s statement focused on a controversial 80-page legal brief Professor Amupitan authored in 2020 — titled Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria: The Implications for the International Community — which alleged widespread attacks that could amount to crimes against humanity and genocide against Christians in the country. The group said such assertions demonstrate “glaring partisanship” and an apparent bias that disqualifies him from overseeing free and fair elections. 
“The demand for Amupitan’s immediate removal, resignation, or prosecution is to protect and safeguard the credibility of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read, adding that allowing him to remain in office would erode trust in the electoral process. 
The renewed call by MURIC comes amid similar pressure from the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), which has also voiced a lack of confidence in the INEC chairman’s neutrality and urged the presidency to review his appointment. 
Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former academic, was sworn in as INEC chairman in October 2025 after being nominated by President Tinubu and confirmed by the Senate. His appointment was welcomed by some civil society groups as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system after years of controversy surrounding past elections. 
However, the calls for his removal have drawn counter-arguments from other quarters. Some civic organisations and religious bodies have warned against politicising religion and urged Nigerians to focus on competence and national interest, asserting that expressing personal views does not automatically disqualify a public office holder. 
As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over Professor Amupitan’s leadership is becoming a flashpoint in discussions about electoral integrity, religious tolerance and national unity in Nigeria.
