Kalu Opposes Summoning INEC Chairman for Election Briefing

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, opposed a motion during a plenary session that sought to summon the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, for a briefing on preparations for the 2027 general elections. Kalu argued that INEC's periodic public briefings were sufficient to address any concerns.

He expressed that summoning Amupitan could distract the electoral body and create unnecessary panic, undermining public confidence in the electoral process. Kalu emphasized that any further concerns should be directed to the relevant standing committee of the House, which is constitutionally mandated to engage with INEC.

He suggested amending the motion to invite INEC to meet with the committee instead. The proposed amendment received support from Babajimi Benson and was approved through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, leading to the motion being referred to the House Committee.