The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has rejected calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as unjustified and a danger to constitutional freedoms.
The call, reportedly made by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, followed comments allegedly attributed to Amupitan on the issue of genocide.
However, the PFN insisted that the remarks were made in a personal capacity and bore no connection to his official responsibilities as head of the electoral body.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the Fellowship maintained that Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is entitled to freedom of expression on matters of national concern, regardless of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the issue in question had no link whatsoever to elections or electoral administration, stressing that there was no basis for associating the alleged comments with Amupitan’s duties as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to comment on what he perceives to be happening in the country, irrespective of his appointment or assignment,” the statement said.
The Fellowship condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that a public official should be removed from office on the basis of personal opinions expressed outside the scope of official duties, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.
PFN also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach risks deepening divisions and undermining peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging individuals based on their religious beliefs or affiliations. Prof. Amupitan has a right to express his views, and this should not come at the cost of his job,” the statement added.
Calling for restraint, understanding and mutual respect, the Fellowship urged all stakeholders to approach sensitive national issues with maturity and responsibility, emphasising that unity and peace must remain paramount.
The PFN reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, stressing that these values should guide public discourse and responses to issues affecting the nation.