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PFN Condemn Calls for INEC Chair’s Removal Over Alleged Genocide Remarks
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced an extension of its membership e-registration exercise, now set to conclude on February 8, 2026, instead of the initial deadline of January 31.
This decision was revealed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, following a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held in Abuja. Morka explained that the extension was made to accommodate the high demand from Nigerians eager to join the party, citing numerous requests for more time to complete the registration process.
He also confirmed that the APC’s ward congresses will be held on February 18, 2026, followed by the national convention on March 27-28, 2026. Additional congresses are scheduled as follows: zonal congresses on March 21 and state congresses on March 7, with local government and ward congresses set for February 20 and 18, respectively.
However, Morka clarified that congresses will not take place in Osun, Ekiti, Rivers States, or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The exclusion of these regions is due to upcoming governorship and area council elections in Osun, Ekiti, and the FCT, as well as the fact that Rivers State already held an off-cycle congress last year, with the tenure of the elected executives still in effect.
Regarding the exceptions for Osun, Ekiti, and FCT, Morka explained that the parties had upcoming elections, and to avoid interfering with those processes, the congresses will be rescheduled for a later date. He added that once the tenure of the current executive in Rivers concludes, a new congress will be scheduled for the state.
Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary, also weighed in, emphasizing that the extension was in response to requests from governors and other key stakeholders to accommodate more prospective registrants. According to Basiru, the party’s e-registration campaign has been a resounding success, already surpassing 7 million members. He confidently projected that by the time the registration closes on February 8, the APC will have reached its target of 12.5 million members.
“This extension is not due to any challenges, but rather to ensure that everyone who wishes to join has the opportunity,” Basiru explained. “As of today, our registered members are comparable to the population of more than 100 countries worldwide, and we are confident that we will meet and exceed our target.”
This move is part of the APC’s strategic efforts to strengthen its membership base and ensure greater participation ahead of key political events and congresses.