The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has once again emphasized the urgent need for the National Assembly to accelerate amendments to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of the 2027 general elections. This call was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday with Barry Andrews, the Head of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Follow-up Mission to Nigeria. According to Professor Yakubu, the early passage of critical electoral legislation will directly impact the commission’s readiness for the 2027 polls. He explained that delays or uncertainty in electoral laws can significantly disrupt election planning and implementation, particularly as the date for the general election draws nearer. “Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the commission as election draws nearer,” Yakubu stated. The INEC Chairman further revealed that the commission has already reviewed the eight recommendations directed at it in the EU Election Mission Report on the 2023 general elections. For context, he explained that in the 2019 election cycle, the EU mission made 30 recommendations, with 11 specifically targeting INEC. Out of these, three were classified as priorities, while the other eight were general recommendations aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral process. Yakubu reiterated that the 2027 elections require adequate planning, and this cannot be achieved without a stable and timely electoral legal framework. He called on lawmakers to expedite the process of passing necessary amendments in order to strengthen electoral credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. The European Union has consistently partnered with Nigeria to improve electoral integrity, providing election observation and detailed reports with recommendations aimed at reform.
