The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for continuous reforms to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework in preparation for upcoming elections.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day retreat between INEC and members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters in Lagos on Monday, Yakubu emphasized the need to address emerging challenges in the electoral process. The retreat brought together members of the Commission, federal lawmakers, electoral stakeholders, and development partners.
Describing the retreat as a “unique opportunity” to enhance the electoral process through legislative review and shared experiences, Yakubu recalled the 2020 retreat that led to the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2022. That collaboration, he noted, marked a significant step forward, tackling key issues such as technological innovations, judicial compliance, and recommendations from election observers.
Highlighting improvements driven by past reforms, Yakubu cited the extension of the timeline for conducting elections — now allowing 180 days between party primaries and general elections — which helped ensure the 2023 general elections proceeded without delays, the first such occurrence since 2010. He also praised the local production of sensitive election materials, marking the first time since 1999 that such materials were printed entirely in Nigeria, an achievement recognized by the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria.
However, Yakubu stressed that further reforms are needed. Key areas requiring legislative attention include:
- Technological Integration: Strengthening the legal framework for INEC’s technological innovations, such as electronic voting.
- Litigation Reduction: Clarifying ambiguities in electoral laws to reduce pre- and post-election disputes.
- Adoption of Good Practices: Implementing recommendations from previous electoral reform committees, including the Uwais (2009), Lemu (2011), and Nnamani (2017) reports.
The INEC chairman emphasized that such retreats offer deeper engagement than traditional committee hearings, allowing lawmakers to gain firsthand insights into election management challenges. He also expressed appreciation for the support of development partners committed to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
As the retreat continues, INEC plans to share field experiences with lawmakers to inform further amendments to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act. Yakubu underscored that the ultimate goal is to build a stronger, more credible electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond.
