Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, the Senate stressed the need for a more deliberate review process. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, underscored the importance of caution, particularly as preparations for future elections intensify. The council said Muslims across the country would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under the leadership of an INEC chairman whose integrity, it claimed, is under a cloud. “How can Nigerians, especially Muslims, repose confidence in an INEC chairman who has been linked to such a divisive narrative,” the council’s president questioned. He warned that proceeding with elections under the current INEC leadership could worsen tensions.

Source: Punch January 29, 2026 06:57 UTC