Nigeria Islamic Society (NIS) and the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) have cautioned against growing calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing such demands as premature and capable of fueling unnecessary tension.
In a joint press statement issued in Abuja on February 17, 2026, the two organisations responded to recent remarks attributed to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which reportedly called for the immediate removal of the INEC chairman ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists and Nigerians, the groups said: “As responsible faith based and media advocacy organizations committed to national cohesion and democratic development, we consider the said call unnecessary, premature, and capable of generating avoidable tension within the polity.”
They stressed that Nigeria’s electoral body remains a constitutionally established institution whose leadership is governed strictly by law.
“Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, is a constitutional institution. Its leadership is appointed and regulated strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
They emphasized that any concerns about the INEC chairman should be addressed through proper legal channels rather than public pressure.
“Any concerns regarding the conduct, competence, or neutrality of its Chairman must be pursued through lawful and constitutional mechanisms rather than through public agitation that may inflame religious or sectional sentiments.”
They warned that politicising the issue along religious lines could weaken national unity.
“We are particularly concerned about the attempt to frame this matter in a manner that risks deepening divisions among Nigerians. Our democracy must never be reduced to religious identity politics.”
The organisations further cautioned that calls for removal without due process could undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
“While civil society organisations have the right to express opinions, such expressions must be measured, responsible, and guided by the overarching objective of national peace and stability.”
They added: “Calls for removal of a constitutional office holder without due process set a dangerous precedent and may erode public confidence in democratic institutions.”
Reaffirming their core values, the groups highlighted the principles guiding their intervention.
“The Nigeria Islamic Society reiterates that Islam stands firmly for justice, fairness, and due process.”
“The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria emphasizes the responsibility of media stakeholders to promote factual, balanced, and non inflammatory discourse, especially as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 elections.”
In the statement, the organisations called on various stakeholders to act responsibly.
“All advocacy groups to channel grievances through established legal and constitutional avenues.”
“Religious and civic leaders to avoid statements capable of inciting distrust or sectarian division.”
“Nigerians to remain calm and confident in the constitutional safeguards that govern our electoral system.”
They concluded with a strong appeal for unity and institutional respect.
“Our democracy is strengthened not by agitation, but by adherence to law, institutional respect, and responsible public engagement.”
“Nigeria’s unity must remain paramount. The integrity of our institutions must be protected. And our collective focus should be on strengthening, not weakening, the democratic process.”