The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing him as “a threat to religious harmony” in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, accused the INEC chairman of authoring an “80-page legal brief” allegedly used by the United States to indict Nigeria on claims of Christian genocide.
The group expressed disappointment with the Federal Government for what it described as silence over calls for Amupitan’s removal.
“We are highly disappointed with both the Federal Government and Professor Joash Amupitan for their graveyard silence over the demand of the Nigerian Muslim community that the INEC boss should be removed,” Akintola said.
He added that the government’s inaction despite pressure from Islamic organisations reflects “a lack of sensitivity.”
MURIC further alleged that Amupitan’s continued stay in office undermines confidence in the electoral system, particularly among Muslim voters.
“As far as Nigerian Muslims are concerned, Joash Amupitan has become persona non grata to our vision of the Nigerian electoral architecture,” he said.
“Even the PVC revalidation exercise being planned by him is seen by us as a trap where prospective Muslim voters will be massively disenfranchised.”
The group described the INEC chairman as “an electoral burden” and “a potent threat to Nigerian Muslim voters,” insisting that he should step down or be removed.
“He sold Nigeria once. He will sell Nigeria again. Anyone who invites imperialists into the internal affairs of his country deserves treason-related scrutiny,” Akintola stated.
MURIC also urged the Federal Government to appoint “a tolerant Christian” as replacement, arguing that such a move would help restore confidence.
“We hereby declare a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss. The Federal Government should replace him with a tolerant Christian,” he said.
The group criticised Amupitan for not resigning over the allegations, noting that public officials in other countries often step down under similar circumstances.
“People resign from office in other climes over such scandals and misdeeds, but not in Nigeria where sit-tight syndrome prevails,” Akintola said.
He maintained that Amupitan’s continued leadership of INEC could deepen religious divisions.
“Nigeria has never had a worse umpire at the helm of our electoral affairs. He is a living embodiment of Muslim-Christian dichotomy and a potent threat to religious harmony,” he added.
MURIC concluded by insisting that “Amupitan must go,” warning that the group would sustain its campaign until action is taken.
