The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed that the Commission has submitted eight out of 142 proposed reforms to the National Assembly for consideration as part of constitutional and electoral amendments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Professor Yakubu made this known on Monday while speaking to State House correspondents shortly after President Bola Tinubu swore in two new INEC Commissioners at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The INEC Chairman explained that the eight recommendations requiring legislative changes emerged from the Commission’s independent post-election review, which included engagements with key electoral stakeholders following the 2023 general elections.
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He expressed optimism that, given the pace of legislative activity, Nigeria would have a new Electoral Act in place before the next general election cycle.
“On electoral reforms, we have been interfacing with the National Assembly. Two weeks ago, we had a retreat in Lagos with the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Reforms,” Yakubu said.
He added that a public hearing would soon be organised by the National Assembly, after which a new bill would be submitted to the President for assent.
“We are working closely with the National Assembly. From our independent review of the 2023 general elections and consultations with stakeholders, we came up with 142 recommendations eight of which require constitutional or electoral amendment. We have discussed these with lawmakers and are encouraged by the speed and seriousness with which they are approaching the matter,” he said.
Responding to questions regarding speculation over his alleged removal, Professor Yakubu firmly dismissed the reports, affirming that he remains the constitutionally recognised Chairman of INEC.
“I don’t think we need to waste time on unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and to the best of my knowledge, I remain the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Under the Constitution, I am the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and, by electoral law, the Returning Officer for the Presidential election,” he stated.
Professor Yakubu was present at the swearing-in of two newly appointed INEC Commissioners: Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf, representing the North-West, and Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja, representing Ebonyi State.
