The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of proposed amendments to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework, warning that delays could undermine preparations for the next general election.
Yakubu made the call on Thursday during a meeting with the European Union (EU) Election Observation Follow-up Mission to Nigeria, led by Barry Andrews. He stressed that clarity on the legal framework is critical for effective planning and to avoid uncertainties as the election approaches.
“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the commission as the election draws nearer,” he said.
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The INEC Chairman disclosed that the commission had carefully reviewed the 23 recommendations contained in the EU Election Observation Mission’s (EU EOM) report on the 2023 general election. Out of these, eight (34.8%) were specifically directed at INEC, with only one classified as a priority recommendation.
The remaining 15 recommendations (65.2%), including five priority items, were directed at other stakeholders such as the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, and civil society.
Yakubu noted that INEC had already acted on recommendations requiring only administrative measures, while also engaging with other bodies on cross-cutting issues. He emphasized that those requiring legislative changes remain dependent on the National Assembly’s timely intervention.
He also recalled that in 2019, the EU EOM made 30 recommendations, 11 of which were addressed to INEC, including three priority ones. In contrast, the 2023 review was more streamlined, with fewer recommendations directed at the commission.
According to him, the EU’s recommendations, along with those from other national and international observer groups, have been factored into INEC’s post-election review process, which involves broad consultations with key stakeholders.
Yakubu reiterated the commission’s commitment to electoral reforms, but underscored that legislative backing remains essential to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process before the next general election.