PFN Warns Against INEC Chair Removal, Demands Christian Inclusion in 2027 Elections
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged that Christians be fairly represented in the upcoming 2027 general elections and called on Nigerians not to back efforts to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.
Addressing journalists at the PFN headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, the group’s President, Bishop Wale Oke, said Christians make up a significant portion of the population and should have meaningful participation in the political process.
Bishop Oke highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing the country, particularly attacks on Christians and other civilians by terrorists. He described such violence as “evil,” and appealed for stronger government action to protect all citizens
When asked about the possibility of the President choosing a Muslim running mate in 2027, Oke said it would be fair and balanced for the President to consider a Christian vice‑presidential candidate. However, he stressed that the PFN is not a political organisation and would not dictate political choices to political leaders. Oke noted that Christians make up millions of Nigerians and said the President, if he chose, could select a Christian from any of the country’s geopolitical zones for the No. 2 position.
“We are not here to dictate to the President,” Oke said. “But be fair to everyone, and be just to everyone.”
Also speaking, the PFN’s National Deputy President, Dr Cosmas Ilechukwu, rejected calls for the removal of INEC’s chairman, saying Amupitan has every right as a Nigerian to contribute to discussions on national matters. He stressed that expressing views on public issues does not disqualify a citizen from public service.
The PFN’s position stands in contrast to that of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), which recently demanded the dismissal and prosecution of Professor Amupitan. The SCSN argued that his remarks on alleged persecution of Christians compromised his neutrality and could undermine confidence in the electoral process. The council went as far as warning that Muslims might refuse to recognise elections overseen by him.
In addition to concerns about political inclusion and INEC leadership, the PFN voiced support for electronic transmission of election results, saying real‑time reporting would strengthen trust in the electoral system and ensure that every vote counts.
On the issue of insecurity, PFN threw its support behind efforts by the Federal Government and its partners to address the menace but urged greater urgency and commitment to protecting Nigerians. The group commended the government’s collaboration with the United States on security training and equipment, but said more must be done to curb terrorism.