INEC Seeks Speedy Electoral Act Reforms To Strengthen Nigeria’s Democracy
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, stakeholders are once again gathered to fine-tune the nation’s electoral framework.
At a crucial retreat in Lagos, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, joined members of the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters to chart a course for deeper reforms.
The mission of the two-day retreat with the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters in Lagos, is to build on past successes, address lingering challenges, and ensure that Nigeria’s electoral laws remain strong, transparent, and resilient.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urged the National Assembly to fast-track the amendment of Nigeria’s electoral laws to consolidate recent gains and address emerging challenges.
Prof. Yakubu recalled the success of the 2023 general election the first in three electoral cycles not to be postponed due to logistics.
He credited the improvement to key reforms introduced after a similar retreat in 2020, including the extension of time between party primaries and the general election from 60 to 180 days.
Highlighting the Commission’s achievement of printing all sensitive election materials within Nigeria for the first time since 1999, Yakubu emphasised the importance of continuous legal reforms to maintain the momentum.
He pointed out areas needing attention, such as introducing diaspora voting, special provisions for persons with disabilities, and establishing an Electoral Offences Commission.
The INEC boss, stressed that updating the legal framework must be thorough and forward-looking to avoid creating new bottlenecks. “The foundation of credible elections is rooted in the legal framework,” Yakubu said, appealing for timely action from lawmakers to give INEC ample time to implement the changes before future polls.
The retreat also featured technical sessions reviewing constitutional and electoral act amendments proposed by INEC, drawing from lessons of the 2023 elections and recommendations from observers and stakeholders.
