The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has cautioned religious groups against politicising the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that threats to boycott elections on religious grounds could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning followed recent calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) demanding the resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over alleged concerns about his integrity and neutrality.

In a joint statement signed by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Elder Sunday Oibe, and its Chief Executive Officer, Bosun Emmanuel, the Christian group urged restraint in public pronouncements that could further strain Nigeria’s fragile political and security environment.

The SCSN had, during its 2026 pre-Ramadan lecture in Abuja, described the INEC chairman as a threat to electoral credibility and warned that Muslims might refuse to recognise elections conducted under his leadership.

Reacting to the development, the CSMN said it was not defending any political administration but emphasising the need for religious bodies to avoid actions capable of deepening divisions and weakening national cohesion. It stressed that leadership appointments in national institutions should follow constitutional procedures rather than religious or sectarian pressure.

“With the many challenges confronting Nigeria today, every patriotic citizen ought to exercise great restraint in actions and statements capable of escalating an already volatile situation,” the group stated.

The organisation noted that previous administrations had appointed INEC chairmen from diverse religious backgrounds without facing threats of election boycotts, warning that the current controversy risks injecting religion into the management of the electoral process.

CSMN said its intervention was aimed at promoting fairness and national unity, adding that religious organisations should not position themselves as agents of injustice or inequality.

It further called for efforts to de-escalate tensions generated in the name of religion, cautioning that sustained religious polarisation could erode trust in democratic institutions.

On broader constitutional issues raised by some Islamic organisations, the group urged the pursuit of legal clarity and long-term reforms within Nigeria’s plural legal framework, stressing that fairness and inclusiveness are essential for national stability.

The CSMN concluded by calling on religious leaders, civic groups and political actors to prioritise dialogue, respect for constitutional processes and institutional integrity, noting that Nigeria’s democracy would be best safeguarded by reducing religious confrontation rather than inflaming it.