Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Katsina State chapter, has raised strong objections to the appointment of Professor Amupitan Joash as the new chairman of Nigeria’s national electoral commission, describing the decision as troubling and capable of deepening division in the country.
In a statement signed by its state leader, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan (Sautus Sunnah), the organisation said it was shocked by the appointment, citing what it termed “unfounded and inflammatory claims” made by the professor in a 2020 publication in Legal Brief.
Sheikh Yakubu alleged that Professor Joash made derogatory accusations against Nigerian Muslims, including claims that Muslims were behind mass killings of Christians—allegations JIBWIS said were baseless and dangerous.
The cleric also accused the new electoral chief of linking the historic Jihad of Sheikh Usman Danfodiyo to the rise of Boko Haram and kidnapping in northern Nigeria, a claim he described as historically inaccurate and malicious.
“Historians have established that the Jihad of Usman Danfodiyo was aimed at educating Muslims and promoting justice, not creating terrorism,” Sheikh Yakubu said.
He further alleged that Professor Joash had previously called for foreign intervention in Nigeria on behalf of Christians, portraying Muslims as perpetrators of genocide—comments JIBWIS described as a threat to national security.
“His long-standing record of prejudicial writings against Muslims raises serious concerns about his ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections,” Sheikh Yakubu added, noting that the organisation feared he may not act impartially in the upcoming polls.
The statement also referenced foreign lobbying purportedly carried out by groups sympathetic to the professor’s views, including appeals for sanctions against Nigeria and U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene militarily in the country.
While noting that some civil society groups close to the professor have urged him to act with fairness in his new role, Sheikh Yakubu maintained that his “deep-rooted bias” made him unsuitable to lead the electoral commission.
JIBWIS also questioned why an academic of his standing would advocate for punitive actions against his own country, describing such conduct as inconsistent with the expectations of patriotism and responsible leadership.
The organisation called on Professor Joash to resign immediately. If he fails to do so, it urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the appointment to restore public confidence, especially among Nigerian Muslims.
JIBWIS stressed that its position was not politically motivated but rooted in the need for justice, fairness, and peaceful coexistence.
“The electoral commission requires a leader committed to truth and equity, not someone who will deepen division,” Sheikh Yakubu said.
