The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has declared that it will not recognise or legitimise any election it considers compromised ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process must be protected.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, during the Council’s Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja.
The SCSN’s Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly brought together Islamic scholars, traditional and community leaders, professionals and representatives of Islamic organisations.
The event featured remarks by the President of the Shariah Council, Sheikh Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, and Madakin Zazzau, Mallam Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru.
The Council’s statement emphasised that public confidence in institutions responsible for elections, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is central to national stability and democratic legitimacy.
It also raised concerns about the integrity of the leadership of INEC and how perceived biases could undermine trust in the electoral process.
Sheikh Umar said the Muslim community would not accept elections perceived to have been conducted under questionable integrity or managed by officials with compromised credibility.
He was quoted saying that democratic legitimacy cannot exist without integrity and that public trust in electoral outcomes is essential for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
In its address, the Council also commented on broader national challenges. It described Nigeria as facing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, declining public trust in institutions and hardships for millions of citizens struggling with inflation, unemployment and rising living costs.
The Council condemned violence and called for responsible public discourse to avoid deepening divisions along religious or social lines. It reiterated that elections conducted “under a cloud of compromised integrity” would lack credibility and public trust.
Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar said: “The Council has clearly stated that the Ummah will not recognise or legitimise any election presided over by a character with questionable integrity, as democratic credibility must never be compromised.”
The Shariah Council’s position highlights concerns among civil society stakeholders about electoral credibility in Nigeria.
Its warning adds to ongoing national discussions about electoral integrity, public confidence in institutions and the importance of transparent and fair processes in the 2027 general elections.
The stance by a prominent religious body underscores the broader urgency of ensuring trust in the electoral system as the country prepares for high-stakes polls.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to uphold credibility and integrity in the 2027 general elections, asserting that compromised polls will not be accepted or recognised by the Council.
Its remarks reflect growing attention to electoral legitimacy and public trust in democratic institutions ahead of the next national elections.
