The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly to speed up the process of amending Nigeria’s electoral laws, warning that any delay could affect the smooth preparation for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with Barry Andrews, head of the European Union (EU) election observation follow-up mission to Nigeria. The EU team visited Nigeria to track the progress made by the electoral body in implementing reforms recommended after the 2023 elections.
Yakubu emphasised that early passage of amendments to the electoral legal framework is vital for INEC’s timely planning and execution of the 2027 polls. According to him, election preparations are time-bound and require legal certainty.
“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the commission as the election draws nearer,” the INEC chairman stated.
He explained that INEC had reviewed the EU’s recommendations following the 2023 general election. Out of the eight suggestions specifically directed at INEC, the commission had already taken action on those that required only internal administrative steps.
“For those that need collaboration with other stakeholders, we are already engaging with them. However, recommendations that require changes to the law are still pending action by the National Assembly,” Yakubu added.
He recalled that the EU mission made 30 recommendations after the 2019 elections, with 11 directed at INEC, including three top-priority ones. The remaining 19, including five priority areas, required action by the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, and other institutions.
“We are committed to electoral reforms, but there are aspects that are beyond the commission’s control. That is why we are appealing to the National Assembly to complete the legislative review in good time,” he said.
The INEC chairman stressed that prompt legal reforms would give the commission a clear path for early preparation and reduce uncertainty as the next general election approaches in less than two years.
On his part, Barry Andrews, who led the EU follow-up mission, said the purpose of their visit was to assess the level of progress INEC had made in implementing the EU’s recommendations from the 2023 election.
“We are very happy to see that there has been significant progress on many of the recommendations,” Andrews said.
He acknowledged, however, that some of the reforms – particularly those requiring constitutional and judicial adjustments – take time and involve several actors beyond INEC’s control.
“We recognise that there are time constraints, both in terms of judicial reform as well as administrative reform. That’s why follow-up is important, and we appreciate INEC’s openness and commitment to dialogue,” he added.
The EU Election Observation Mission submitted its final report on the 2023 general election in June 2023. The report highlighted key issues including voter suppression, logistical problems, transparency concerns, and legal loopholes. It provided 23 recommendations in total, aimed at improving the integrity, inclusiveness, and transparency of future elections in Nigeria.
