The Shari’ah Council had earlier called for the removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman, alleging compromised integrity over a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution of Christians in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. The association also urged the INEC chairman to remain focused on his constitutional responsibilities and not be distracted by the controversy. According to the association, such statements, when combined with pressure on a Christian INEC chairman, risk creating unnecessary religious tension and undermining confidence in the democratic process. Northern CAN called on political leaders to promote issue-based engagement, warning that Nigeria’s democracy should not be reduced to religious calculations.