Senate delays electoral bill debate as Shariah council seeks INEC chair’s removal
The Senate has postponed its debate on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, citing the need for more scrutiny and closed-door discussions. The move comes amid mounting calls from the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria for the removal of Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The council claims his continued leadership threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s elections. Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers emphasized caution as the country prepares for future polls.
What we know
- The Senate deferred consideration of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, after deliberating on the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters’ report.
- Lawmakers agreed to give themselves more time to study the bill and plan to resume debate on Thursday in a closed executive session.
- The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanded the immediate removal of Prof. Joash Amupitan, alleging his integrity is in question and that his leadership undermines trust in elections.
- Sheikh Bashir Umar, president of the council, made the call during the SCSN’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja.
- The council urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to act swiftly to ensure credible and widely accepted elections.
