INEC Chairman Urges Speedy Electoral Reforms at National Assembly Retreat in Lagos

By Iyojo Ameh

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called on the National Assembly to expedite the ongoing review of Nigeria’s electoral legal framework to ensure timely implementation ahead of future elections.

Speaking at a retreat organized for the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos, Prof. Yakubu underscored the necessity of close collaboration between lawmakers and the election management body in reforming the nation’s electoral laws.

Reflecting on the success of a similar retreat held in 2020, Prof. Yakubu noted that previous engagements between INEC and the legislature had led to the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010, culminating in the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022. He credited the partnership for introducing vital innovations in election management, including the integration of technology, clarification of legal ambiguities, and the adoption of international best practices.

Highlighting one of the significant achievements of the reforms, the INEC Chairman pointed to the amendment extending the period between the conduct of party primaries and general elections from 60 to 180 days. This extension, he explained, enabled INEC to improve logistical preparations, resulting in the successful conduct of the 2023 General Election without any postponements—a first in three electoral cycles.

Additionally, Prof. Yakubu celebrated the fact that, for the first time since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, all sensitive election materials for the 2023 elections were printed within the country. This milestone, he said, earned INEC commendation from the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON).

He emphasized the critical role of retreats such as the Lagos gathering, stating that they offer deeper engagement and a better grasp of the complexities involved in election management compared to the routine public hearings at the National Assembly.

“As we embark on yet another review of our electoral laws, we will share with the lawmakers our field experiences and proposed reforms,” Prof. Yakubu said. “This retreat presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the foundation of our electoral process, which must be rooted in a robust legal framework.”

The INEC Chairman also extended his appreciation to Nigeria’s development partners for their consistent support and urged them to continue standing with the country’s electoral process.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Yakubu appealed to the National Assembly to expedite the amendment process, stressing that early conclusion would afford INEC sufficient time to plan and implement necessary changes in line with the new legal requirements.