MURIC demands sack of INEC Chairman over alleged ‘Christian genocide’ brief to Trump

MURIC demands sack of INEC Chairman over alleged ‘Christian genocide’ brief to Trump

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, following allegations that he authored a legal brief to the United States accusing Nigeria of committing genocide against Christians.

MURIC made the demand in a statement issued on Monday, November 10, 2025, by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

According to the group, the revelation—originally made by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN)—raises serious concerns about Amupitan’s neutrality and suitability to oversee elections in the country.

“The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria alleged that the INEC chairman authored a legal brief on Christian genocide in Nigeria which was sent to the United States,” MURIC said, referencing a report published by The Defender news platform.

Describing the disclosure as “shocking, astounding and petrifying,” Akintola said Amupitan’s alleged involvement in the matter casts a shadow over his ability to conduct free and fair elections.

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“A man who authored a hate letter to President Donald Trump about Muslims in Northern Nigeria cannot be expected to be fair in overseeing elections in Nigeria,” the statement read.

MURIC warned that Amupitan’s continued stay in office poses a “potent threat” to Muslim candidates, especially in North-Central Nigeria, and declared a total loss of confidence in his leadership of INEC.

“From the moment this disclosure was made, Amupitan has become persona non grata in Muslim circles in election matters,” Akintola stated.

The Islamic rights body therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve Amupitan of his position and appoint another qualified person “with a national spread of acceptance” to replace him.

“We suggest that any other qualified person with national spread of acceptance, preferably of the same faith with Amupitan but from another geopolitical zone, be picked to replace him,” MURIC added.

The controversy follows reports of heightened tension between religious groups after claims of a U.S. brief alleging persecution of Christians in Nigeria were linked to the new INEC chairman.

 

MURIC demands sack of INEC Chairman over alleged ‘Christian genocide’ brief to Trump