EU Demands Electoral Reforms As INEC Pressures Lawmakers
In Nigeria, democracy is only as strong as the laws that guide its elections. With the 2027 general polls edging closer, both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the European Union (EU) are warning that time is running out for much-needed reforms.
At a high-level meeting in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, cautioned that delays in passing amendments to the Electoral Act could destabilise election planning.
He revealed that while INEC has implemented the administrative recommendations within its reach, the Commission has already submitted 142 proposals for reform to the National Assembly.
Yakubu noted that of the 23 recommendations made by the EU following the 2023 elections, over 65 per cent require action from lawmakers, the executive, judiciary, political parties and other stakeholders.
The EU’s Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, pressed further, urging Nigeria to move beyond “half-measures” and ensure genuine transparency.
“Election observation is not about interference; it is about strengthening democracy,” he insisted, while flagging concerns over judicial reforms and result publication.
Both INEC and the EU delegation, which is in Nigeria for a week-long mission, agreed that without urgent legislative action, the 2027 elections risk being conducted under the same flawed framework that marred past polls.
For now, the message is clear: reform the system—or risk democracy itself.