The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for the speedy reform of Nigeria’s electoral laws to strengthen the country’s democratic process.
Speaking on Monday at a retreat in Lagos organized for members of the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Yakubu emphasized the urgent need for timely amendments to the Electoral Act and related legislation.
Reflecting on the success of the 2020 retreat that contributed to the passage of the Electoral Act 2022, Yakubu noted that the reforms modernized Nigeria’s electoral framework, addressed legal gaps, and enhanced the application of technology in elections.
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“That effort, among many other initiatives, resulted in the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), leading to the current Electoral Act 2022,” he said.
Yakubu praised the collaboration between INEC and lawmakers, highlighting the importance of combining practical political experience with election management expertise to drive meaningful electoral reforms.
He explained that retreats like this offer deeper, more focused engagements than brief public hearings, providing better insights into the challenges of election administration in Nigeria.
A key highlight of Yakubu’s speech was the positive impact of extending the timeline between political party primaries and general elections. Previously limited to 60 days, the amendment now allows 180 days, significantly improving INEC’s planning and logistics and ensuring the seamless conduct of the 2023 general elections without postponements.
“The solution was to amend the Electoral Act to provide more time between party primaries and the general elections,” Yakubu stated.
He also celebrated a historic achievement from the 2023 elections: for the first time since 1999, all election materials — including ballot papers and result sheets — were printed entirely in Nigeria, earning commendations from the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria.
“Not a single sheet of paper for the 2023 General Election was printed outside Nigeria,” he proudly announced.
Looking ahead, the INEC chairman urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of new electoral reforms to ensure that the Commission has sufficient time for implementation before the next election cycle.
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“I appeal to the National Assembly to speed up action to conclude the electoral legal framework so the Commission can implement the reforms effectively,” Yakubu said.
He concluded by acknowledging the support of INEC’s development partners and stressed the importance of a robust legal framework in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and improving the credibility of future elections.
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