By Ameh Gabriel
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called on the National Assembly to fast-track the review of Nigeria’s electoral legal framework to enable the timely implementation of crucial reforms ahead of future elections.
Prof. Yakubu made the call on Monday, April 28, 2025, during his opening remarks at a two-day retreat with the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters, held at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos.
Reflecting on previous reform efforts, Yakubu recalled a similar retreat in March 2020, which significantly contributed to the repeal of the Electoral Act 2010 and the eventual enactment of the current Electoral Act 2022. He highlighted the importance of retreats like this, noting that they allow for more focused and in-depth engagement than traditional public hearings.
“For us in INEC, the collaboration between lawmakers, who are also seasoned politicians, and the Commission as the election management body is a positive force for electoral reform in Nigeria,” Yakubu said.
The INEC Chairman pointed to the extension of the timeframe between party primaries and general elections to 180 days as a key achievement of previous reforms. He explained that under the old framework, INEC had only 60 days, a situation that severely hampered election logistics, especially regarding the production and distribution of sensitive materials.
Yakubu disclosed that while INEC had initially proposed a full year between primaries and elections, it eventually agreed with lawmakers on a 180-day interval. This adjustment, he noted, was instrumental in ensuring that the 2023 General Election — unlike previous cycles — proceeded without any postponement due to logistical issues.
Another major milestone, according to Yakubu, was the complete localization of ballot paper and result sheet production during the 2023 elections. “For the first time since the return to democracy in 1999, not a single sheet of paper for the general election was printed outside Nigeria. All printing was done locally, earning us commendation from the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON),” he said.
Looking ahead, Prof. Yakubu emphasized that the retreat would provide INEC with an opportunity to share field experiences and propose further reforms necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process. He urged lawmakers to accelerate the amendment process to allow enough time for implementation before the next election cycle.
He also expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s development partners for their continued support in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
The retreat gathered distinguished senators, members of the House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters, INEC National Commissioners, senior Commission officials, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
Prof. Yakubu concluded his address with a call for successful reform outcomes and reaffirmed INEC’s unwavering commitment to delivering credible elections built on a strong legal foundation.
