Despite the Katanga Republic Independent Electoral Commission (KIREC) not yet being constituted and the electoral ban not being lifted, the Speaker of the 15th Assembly, Hon. Abdulmatin Gbadegesin has created a WhatsApp group for aspirants seeking the floor representative positions for the 2026/2027 session, IndyPress can report.

As observed by IndyPress, a link was forwarded by the Indy Hall Public Relations Officer, Sodiq Hammed Akinkummi, inviting aspirants for the floor representative positions to join a WhatsApp group.

When IndyPress inquired from the PRO, Mr Hammed on the role in the publicity of the aspirant group. He responded that he only acted based on the Speaker’s request.

“I only helped with the publicity… I got the order from Mr Speaker.” he said.

Further observation by IndyPress confirmed that Hon. Abdulmatin created the group on September 11, 2026. The purpose and motive of the group remain unclear.

The development raises questions about the role of the Speaker in the election process, particularly while KIREC is yet to be constituted and the electoral ban remains in place.

What Does the Constitution Say?

According to Article 8, Section II of the Indy Hall Constitution, which outlines the Powers of the KRIEC, the commission:

a. Shall draw up regulations and guidelines subject to the provisions of this Constitution.

b. Such regulations shall be published at least one week before the date of the election.

c. Shall have the power to screen all aspirants and clear or reject the candidature of any aspirant, subject to the provisions of this Constitution.

d. The election shall be by secret open ballot.

e. The tenure of the Independent Electoral Commission shall cease after the successful conduct of any election.

Efforts by IndyPress to obtain a comment from the Speaker of the Indy Hall Legislative Council were unsuccessful, as a message sent to him had not received a response as of the time of publication.