Another Nigeria’s Islamic Group demands sack of Amupitan as INEC Chairman

*Accuses him for drafting nation into religious crisis involving foreign powers

*As DCCN denounces Christian genocide claims, describes it as distortion of truth

*Reiterates ‘Nigeria’s diversity is a blessing, not a curse’

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

“The overwhelming majority of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria cherish peace; we will not let extremists hijack our narrative.”

Barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), on Sunday November 9, 2025 press conference where it refuted the reports in Western and local collaborative media of Christian genocide in the country, another refutation coming from an Islamic evangelical group, the Da’awa Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN), has also issued its own rejoinder supporting the position of the umbrella body for Islam in the country.

The DCCN, a unifying umbrella body of Islamic organizations, scholars and communities across Nigeria, expressed its unequivocal standing in support of the recent press briefing by the NSCIA denouncing what it called baseless genocide claims by a section of Christians in the country.

In the rejoinder jointly signed by Engr. Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, its National President, and Engr. Ahmad Jumba, its National Secretary, copy of which was sent to The DENDER on Monday November 10, 2025, the Da’awa Coordination Council of Nigeria affirmed that such inflammatory allegations were no more than a gross distortion of truth, a threat to national unity and an affront to the enduring spirit of peaceful coexistence in the country.

Contextualising the danger of genocide claims, the DCCN said, “A section of Christian leaders has recklessly leveled accusations of genocide against Muslims and the Nigerian state. These claims are unsubstantiated, malicious, and part of a deliberate effort to incite hatred, sow division, and destabilize Nigeria.

“DCCN condemns this dangerous rhetoric, which risks unleashing untold violence and undoing decades of interfaith harmony. Nigeria is a pluralistic nation where over 200 million citizens of diverse faiths live, work, and worship together. Such false narratives insult the resilience of Nigerians who daily demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance.”

Queuing behind the umbrella body’s position, it said, “We fully endorse NSCIA’s statement rejecting these claims as “unfounded, mischievous, and harmful.” DCCN joins NSCIA in calling for immediate calm, urging Nigerians to reject hate speech, and emphasizing that grievances must be addressed through dialogue, not destructive rhetoric.

“The overwhelming majority of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria cherish peace; we will not let extremists hijack our narrative.”

Commending the Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who it described as a pillar of Nigeria’s unity, the statement said, “DCCN hails His Eminence, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chair of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), for his visionary leadership in fostering interfaith harmony.

“Since assuming office, the Sultan has tirelessly promoted mutual respect, mediated conflicts, and championed initiatives bridging faith divides. His efforts exemplify Nigeria’s strength in diversity, proving that “One Nation, Many Faiths” is not just a slogan but a lived reality. We commend his call for unity and urge all Nigerians to emulate his example.”

The DCCN thereafter called for accountability in leadership and demanded that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) be removed forthwith as the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over his reported and undenied link with the genocide draft leading to the international mess Nigeria is currently facing.

“DCCN notes disturbing media reports implicating the newly appointed INEC Chairman in drafting or endorsing the genocide narrative. If true, this is an egregious betrayal of public trust. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must remain neutral and credible.

“We demand the immediate removal of the INEC Chairman pending transparent investigation. Nigeria’s electoral body cannot be led by someone embroiled in divisive politics. The safety and unity of Nigeria transcend partisan interests,” it said.

It will be recalled that the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria (SCSN) recently called for the sack of Amupitan saying for his bias, he becomes unfit to lead the nation’s electoral body as he to be there must be maintain neutrality.

Reiterating unity in diversity as the strength of Nigeria, the Islamic da’awah coordinating group said, “Nigeria’s diversity is a blessing, not a curse. DCCN affirms that peaceful coexistence is a collective duty. We urge:
– Media and citizens: Verify claims before sharing. Silence aids bigotry; reject hate speech.
– Religious and political leaders: Champion dialogue, not discord. Condemn genocide falsehoods unequivocally.
– Security agencies: Act swiftly against incitements to violence. Protect all Nigerians equally.
– All Nigerians: Stand united. Report hate speech. Embrace our diversity as strength.

“DCCN stands shoulder-to-shoulder with NSCIA, NIREC, and patriotic Nigerians in rejecting genocide falsehoods and upholding national unity. We pray for Nigeria’s stability, prosperity, and enduring interfaith harmony.”