The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has renewed its call on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Electoral Act amendments and legal reforms currently under consideration. The electoral body says timely legislation is critical to ensuring the seamless conduct of future elections, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general election begin.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this appeal during the official opening of a retreat on electoral reform updates, organized in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Yakubu highlighted one of the commission’s recent milestones — the successful local printing of electoral materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, ending decades of reliance on foreign printers since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
“The issue of election postponements due to delays in the printing of ballot materials has been effectively addressed. Since 2019, reliable local printers have proven their capacity to meet our electoral needs,” Yakubu stated.
He noted that the retreat offers a valuable platform for the National Assembly, INEC, and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on necessary amendments, clarify ambiguities in electoral laws, and improve logistics and litigation frameworks to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Prof. Yakubu further disclosed that one of the outcomes of previous retreats was the successful introduction of technology in the electoral process, resulting in a 10 million increase in registered voters between the 2011 and 2023 elections.
“To improve the electoral process, the foundation must be rooted in a robust legal framework. I urge participants to propose reforms that will enhance public confidence and boost participation in future elections,” the INEC boss added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, described free, fair, and credible elections as the bedrock of sustainable democracy. He emphasized the need for timely reforms and a collaborative approach between the legislature and the executive to deliver a transparent electoral system.
“The gross misconduct and disregard for electoral laws by some politicians and political parties must be addressed decisively. The 2023 general election has exposed loopholes that demand urgent legislative amendments,” Senator Yar’Adua asserted.
Co-Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, described the retreat as a timely opportunity to chart a progressive path toward inclusiveness and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Every piece of legislation requires periodic review to align with current realities. This retreat allows us to engage INEC directly on critical areas that need urgent attention,” Hon. Balogun said, urging participants to prioritize national interest over personal agendas.
Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, acknowledged improvements in the electoral process but stressed that full implementation of existing legal provisions remains a challenge. He called for a new Electoral Act to be enacted before the end of 2025 to ensure a credible 2027 general election.
“The 2027 polls will present significant challenges. INEC must begin early preparations and address identified bottlenecks ahead of time,” Nwankwo advised.
Dr. Mathew Ayibakuro, a representative of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic processes and praised INEC’s resolve to implement electoral reforms promptly.
The retreat, themed “Emergent Issues in the Electoral Legal Framework Since the 2023 General Elections,” gathered electoral stakeholders, lawmakers, advocacy groups, and international partners to review progress and strategize for improved future elections.
