The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has dismissed reports alleging it directed Muslims to pray for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, the council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, said the organisation had received multiple enquiries over what he termed “misleading and unverified reports” circulating on social media.
“The council categorically dissociates itself from these claims. At no time did it issue any directive, statement, or call on Muslims to embark on prayers specifically seeking the removal of the INEC chairman,” he said.
Baba-Ahmad noted that the reports appeared to be a deliberate attempt to drag the council into political controversies and create unnecessary tension.
“These fabrications are clearly intended to mislead the public and draw the council into the divisive terrain of political contestation,” he added.
The council urged the public and the Muslim community to disregard the claims and rely only on information disseminated through its official communication channels.
“We call on the public, especially members of the Muslim Ummah and the media, to ignore these false narratives and verify information through recognised platforms,” he said.
While distancing itself from the alleged prayer directive, the council reiterated its earlier موقف on the leadership of the electoral body, maintaining that the INEC chairman should either step down or be removed based on concerns about neutrality.
“Our position is not driven by political bias or sectarian interests but by serious concerns about actions and dispositions that suggest prejudice against Islam and Muslims,” the statement added.
The council stressed that it remains committed to promoting justice, peaceful coexistence, and moral integrity, warning that the spread of misinformation could deepen divisions and threaten national stability.
“We will not allow ourselves to be used for political manipulation, nor will we be distracted from our mission of fostering a just and peaceful society,” Baba-Ahmad said.
