Following his admittance of being a card carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress () last November at the floor of the Senate, the upper legislative chamber, has rejected the nomination of Mr Raheem Muideen, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner representing Osun state.

Wednesday’s development followed a mild drama at the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday when Muideen admitted being a member of the APC.

Presenting the report of his committee Wednesday, the INEC Senate chairman, Senator Kabiru Gaya, said Muideen’s nomination could not be confirmed since he could not defend the allegations levelled against him by a petitioner.

Though the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo -Agege, made efforts to save Muideen’s nomination, he failed the petition had weighed heavily against him.

Also, the Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, insisted the confirmation should be stood down because the nominee had confirmed during the screening that he was a card-carrying member of the APC.

Though he said the INEC committee had given Muideen ample opportunity to debunk the allegation, Abaribe asserted that the nominee could not and therefore stands disqualified.

A member of the Senate INEC committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, argued that the committee cannot endorse the violation of the Nigerian constitutional; adding that it clearly provides that occupant of the office of the INEC commissioner must not have political affiliation.

However, the Senate approved and confirmed the appointment of other nominees including: Umar Mukhtar Gajiram (Borno), Dr. Aiaiibo Sinikiem Johnson (Bayelsa).

Muideen had appeared before the Senate Committee on INEC for his confirmation screening after his nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari.