The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that it directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, the Secretary-General of the council, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, said the organisation had been inundated with enquiries following what it described as “a series of misleading and unsubstantiated reports” attributed to anonymous and unofficial sources.
He stated unequivocally that the council never issued such a directive at any time, urging the public to disregard the claims in their entirety.
“The council categorically dissociates itself from these claims. At no time did it issue any directive, statement, or call on Muslims to embark on prayers specifically calling for the removal of the chairman of INEC,” the statement read.
Ahmad noted that the reports were not only false but appeared to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and draw the religious body into partisan political controversies.
“These fabrications are clearly intended to create unnecessary tension and drag the council into the murky and often divisive waters of political contestation,” he added.
The council stressed that it remained a reputable religious organisation committed to promoting justice, equity, moral rectitude, and peaceful coexistence, adding that it operated strictly through recognised communication channels.
It warned against reliance on information from unverified social media accounts, which it said were being used to spread misinformation and cause confusion.
“The council urges the general public, particularly members of the Muslim Ummah and the media, to disregard these false narratives and rely only on official communications issued through recognised channels,” Ahmad said.
While distancing itself from the alleged prayer directive, the council, however, reaffirmed its earlier stance on the leadership of the electoral body, insisting that the INEC chairman should either resign or be removed from office.
It explained that its position was based on concerns about neutrality and integrity, rather than political or sectarian considerations.
“Our position is not driven by political bias or sectarian interests but by serious concerns arising from actions and dispositions that have demonstrated a clear prejudice against Islam and Muslims,” the statement added.
The council further argued that such alleged sentiments, if established, would be inconsistent with the expectations of a holder of a sensitive national office in a plural society like Nigeria.
Despite the controversy, the SCSN reiterated its commitment to remaining above partisan interests and resisting attempts to use it as a tool for political manipulation.
It maintained that it would not be distracted from its core objectives by what it described as the antics of mischief-makers.
“The council will not allow itself to be used for political manipulation, nor will it be distracted from its mission of fostering a just, peaceful and prosperous society,” Ahmad said.
The organisation also called for restraint among Nigerians, warning that the spread of false information could undermine national stability and deepen divisions.
