The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has denied issuing any directive to Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing such claims as false and misleading.
In a statement on Monday by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council said the reports, widely circulated on social media, were the handiwork of anonymous and unofficial sources.
It said the same reports also falsely alleged that the Council threatened that elections would not hold if its supposed demands were not met.
The Council categorically dissociated itself from the claims, insisting it never issued any such directive or statement.
It described the reports as deliberate fabrications aimed at misleading the public, creating unnecessary tension, and dragging the Council into partisan political controversies.
The Council maintained that it remains a religious body committed to justice, equity, moral rectitude, and peaceful coexistence.
It stressed that it operates above partisan interests and has consistently distanced itself from political manipulation and divisive narratives.
However, it reaffirmed its earlier position that the INEC Chairman should either resign or be removed from office.
The Council said the position was based on concerns over actions it claimed showed prejudice against Islam and Muslims, not on political or sectarian considerations.
It urged the public, particularly members of the Muslim Ummah and the media, to disregard the false claims and rely only on its official communication channels.