2027: INEC CHAIRMAN WORRIES OVER DELAYED ACTION OF ELECTORAL REFORMS
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By Sunmisola Shodayo
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has urged the National Assembly to accelerate the review and enactment of electoral reforms, cautioning that ambiguity regarding the legal framework may hinder preparations for the 2027 general election.
Yakubu made this request on Thursday during a meeting with the European Union (EU) Election Observation Follow-up Mission, led by Mr. Barry Andrews, a Member of the European Parliament who also directed the EU Mission for Nigeria’s 2023 general election.
The INEC Chairman indicated that numerous recommendations from the EU necessitate legislative modifications, rendering prompt action by the National Assembly essential.
“An early passage of law is critical to our planning for the elections. Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as election draws nearer,” Yakubu stated.
He pointed out that of the 23 recommendations put forth by the EU Election Observation Mission in 2023, only eight are directly related to INEC, with one designated as a priority.
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The remaining 15 recommendations, which include five priorities, pertain to the duties of the executive, legislature, judiciary, political entities, civil society organizations, media, and professional associations.
Yakubu mentioned that INEC has already undertaken administrative measures to address its portion of the recommendations and is collaborating with pertinent stakeholders on overarching issues while anticipating legislative advancements.
He also revealed that INEC’s post-election assessment of the 2023 elections yielded 142 recommendations for electoral reform, supplementing observer reports.
The INEC Chairman assured the EU of Nigeria’s ongoing dedication to international election observation, announcing that invitations would soon be extended to the EU, Commonwealth, African Union, and ECOWAS for the 2027 elections.
“We believe that the recommendations arising from your observation of our election and electoral process help to improve the quality of our elections and electoral activities,” he remarked.
In response, EU Mission leader Barry Andrews commended INEC for its engagement with stakeholders and emphasized the necessity for continuous reforms to fortify Nigeria’s democracy.
Yakubu also acknowledged the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, committing to an enduring partnership to reinforce electoral integrity.
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