By Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has emphasized the need for continuous reforms in the electoral legal framework ahead of future elections. His call came during his opening remarks at a two-day retreat in Lagos, attended by members of the Commission, federal lawmakers, electoral stakeholders, and development partners.
Yakubu described the retreat as a “unique opportunity” to improve Nigeria’s electoral process through legislative review and shared field experiences. He referenced a similar retreat in March 2020, which led to the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2022. That collaboration, he noted, marked the first time lawmakers, INEC, and other stakeholders addressed key aspects of electoral laws, including technological innovations, judicial compliance, and observer recommendations.
The INEC chairman highlighted improvements resulting from past reforms, including the Extended Timeline amendment, which extended the time between party primaries and elections from 60 to 180 days. This change helped prevent logistical delays and ensured the smooth conduct of the 2023 general elections, the first to proceed without postponement since 2010.
Another key improvement was the Local Production of Materials, where for the first time since 1999, all sensitive election materials were printed in Nigeria. This achievement was recognized by the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria for its significance.
Yakubu also pointed to ongoing challenges needing legislative attention, such as Technological Integration, which aims to strengthen legal backing for INEC’s innovations like electronic voting; Litigation Reduction, which seeks to clarify ambiguities in electoral laws to minimize disputes; and the Adoption of Good Practices, which would incorporate recommendations from past reform committees.
The INEC chairman stressed that retreats like this provide lawmakers with a deeper understanding of electoral management challenges. He acknowledged the role of development partners in supporting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system. As the retreat continues, INEC plans to share field experiences with lawmakers to guide further amendments to the 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act, aiming to fortify Nigeria’s electoral framework.
