JIBWIS Ulama Council rejects Prof Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman, citing past controversies and democratic risks
The Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has expressed strong opposition to the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, JIBWIS National Chairman, stated that Nigerian Muslims reject the appointment, describing it as a risk of the highest order due to the sensitive role INEC plays in the country’s democracy.
He made the remarks at the end of the 33rd annual JIBWIS national seminar, held over three days at the Saddeqa Event Centre in Jos.
Sheikh Jingir criticized Amupitan over a legal document he allegedly authored in the past, which purportedly justified claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria. While the Tinubu administration has denied the allegations, the cleric noted that calls for Amupitan’s removal have gone unanswered.
He questioned the wisdom of appointing someone who allegedly made claims against Muslims to lead INEC, asking, “Why is it that someone who abused Sheikh Usman Danfodio and Muslims was appointed as INEC chairman?”
The cleric further highlighted concerns over Amupitan’s alleged call for foreign intervention in Nigeria, warning that placing him in charge of the nation’s electoral body represents an extremely dangerous risk.
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Sheikh Jingir also criticized the National Assembly for remaining silent on the matter, urging lawmakers to intervene to ensure the appointment of a credible and acceptable person.
