By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has emphasized the need for continuous reform of Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.
He made this call during a two-day retreat with members of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters. The retreat aimed to address emerging challenges and issues in the electoral process.
Yakubu noted that the event provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders to enhance Nigeria’s electoral process through legislative review and shared experiences.
He recalled a similar retreat in March 2020, which led to the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2022. This collaboration marked the first time lawmakers, INEC, and stakeholders collectively addressed critical aspects of electoral laws.
The INEC chairman highlighted significant improvements resulting from past reforms, including the extension of the timeline between party primaries and elections from 60 to 180 days, which ensured the 2023 general elections proceeded without postponement. He also cited the local production of sensitive election materials, a feat praised by the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria.
However, Yakubu outlined ongoing challenges requiring legislative attention, such as strengthening legal backing for INEC’s technological innovations, clarifying ambiguities in electoral laws to minimize litigation, and incorporating recommendations from past reform committees. He stressed that the retreat would enable lawmakers to gain firsthand insights into election management challenges.
The INEC chairman acknowledged the support of development partners in advancing Nigeria’s electoral integrity and expressed hope that the retreat would guide further amendments to the Constitution and Electoral Act. The goal, he said, is to fortify Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future polls.
