By Fatima Mukhtar
The Katsina State branch of Jama’atul Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) has voiced strong opposition to the selection of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement released by the state chairman, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina, the organisation described the appointment as “deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable.” The group said its concerns were rooted in previous writings linked to the Professor, which it believes cast doubt on his neutrality.
According to JIBWIS, a 2020 publication credited to Prof. Amupitan and titled “Legal Brief” contained what the group called “reckless and unfounded” claims that allegedly painted Muslims as perpetrators of genocide against Christians. The Islamic body argued that such assertions were not supported by credible evidence and unfairly targeted the Muslim community.
The group also raised objections to comments the Professor reportedly made about the historic jihad led by Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio. JIBWIS said Amupitan’s alleged attempt to associate the 19th-century jihad with contemporary security challenges—such as Boko Haram insurgency and widespread banditry—was historically inaccurate and misleading.
Further, the organisation claimed that the same document included a call for Western nations to intervene on behalf of Christians in Nigeria, a position JIBWIS described as dangerous and capable of undermining national security.
Given these alleged views, the group insisted that Prof. Amupitan’s reported stance reflects “religious prejudice and sectional interests,” arguing that such a person should not lead the nation’s electoral body.
“The head of INEC must embody justice, fairness, and impartiality,” the statement read. “Anyone with hostility towards any religious group cannot be expected to oversee free and credible elections.”
JIBWIS also expressed worry over reports that some international organisations and foreign legislators had cited the Professor’s past publications while pushing for sanctions against Nigeria.
Consequently, the organisation called on Prof. Amupitan to step aside voluntarily. Should he decline, JIBWIS urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescind the appointment immediately to safeguard the confidence of Muslims across the country and beyond.
The group emphasised that its stance is not driven by politics but by a commitment to equity, inclusion, and national cohesion.
The statement was signed by Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina, Chairman of JIBWIS, Katsina State.
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