Sharia Council denies viral prayer call against INEC chairman

The Supreme Sharia Council in Nigeria has denied claims circulating online that it directed Muslims to hold prayers to call for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, the council’s Secretary General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, said the organization had been inundated with questions regarding what he described as “a series of misleading and unsubstantiated reports” attributed to unofficial and anonymous sources.

He explained that no such directive had ever been issued by the council and urged the public to ignore such claims.

“The Council categorically distances itself from these claims. The Council has never issued any directive, statement or call to Muslims to perform prayers specifically calling for the removal of the INEC Chairman,” the statement read.

Baba-Ahmad further described the report as deliberate misinformation aimed at dragging the council into political controversy.

“This fabrication was clearly intended to create unnecessary tension and drag the Council into a grim and often divisive political rivalry,” he added.

Also read: Presidency blames Atiku’s reaction to Borno airstrikes, calls statement ‘reckless’

The council emphasized that it remains a credible religious body committed to fairness, justice and peaceful coexistence, and that all its communications are issued through official and recognized channels.

The report also warns the public against relying on unverified social media content, and warns that such platforms are increasingly being used to spread lies.

“The Council urges the general public, especially Muslims and the media, to ignore this false narrative and rely only on official communications issued through recognized channels,” Baba-Ahmad said.

While distancing itself from the viral prayer directive, the council reiterated its previous concerns regarding the election commission’s leadership, maintaining that its position was based on issues of neutrality and integrity.

“Our position is not driven by political bias or sectarian interests but by serious concerns arising from actions and attitudes that clearly demonstrate prejudice against Islam and Muslims,” ​​the statement added.

The report argues that such perceptions of bias are inconsistent with the expectations of public office holders in a diverse society like Nigeria.

Despite the controversy, the council reaffirmed its commitment to remaining non-partisan and focused on its core mission.

“The council will not allow itself to be used for political manipulation, nor will it be distracted from its mission to create a just, peaceful and prosperous society,” said Baba-Ahmad.

The organization also called on public restraint, warning that the spread of misinformation could increase tensions and undermine national unity, and reiterated its support for a society where citizens can freely practice their religion without fear or discrimination.