Delays In Legislation Frustrating Us, Says INEC, Urges NASS To Expedite Action To Meet Up With Reforms Ahead Of 2027 Polls

Prof. Yakubu while receiving a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, has disclosed that meaningful progress can only be achieved in the electoral guidelines if the National Assembly expedites action on the legislative processes.

He said though the Commission is playing its part much depends on timely legislations.

Yakubu stressed that meaningful progress on several fronts depends on timely legislative reforms.

“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as elections draw nearer,” he warned, urging the National Assembly to expedite the electoral reform process.

Prof. Yakubu, spoke Thursday while receiving a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) led by Chief Observer Mr. Barry Andrews at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The visit marks a follow-up assessment on the implementation of recommendations made after Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

In his remarks, Mr. Andrews, who is also a Member of the European Parliament, stated that the mission’s task is to assess the progress made in electoral reforms since the last general elections.

“We have noted significant improvements in several areas, though some challenges remain, particularly those requiring judicial, and constitutional reforms,” Andrews said, commending INEC for its cooperation and dedication to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

Professor Yakubu welcomed the delegation warmly, noting that this is the third EU follow-up mission hosted by the current Commission, following similar visits in 2017 and 2022. He highlighted that out of the 23 recommendations made in the EU EOM’s 2023 report, eight were directly addressed to INEC—only one of which was classified as a priority.

“The Commission has carefully considered all the recommendations specifically addressed to us. We have already implemented those requiring administrative action and are working with other stakeholders on cross-cutting recommendations,” Prof. Yakubu explained.

He also revealed that INEC has prepared a detailed response to each recommendation and has shared these with the EU delegation.

The Commission’s internal review of the 2023 elections, he noted, produced 142 reform recommendations, many of which align with those from international observers.
Prof. Yakubu assured that INEC would soon extend formal invitations to international election observers, including the EU, African Union, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth.

“We believe that the recommendations from your missions help to improve the quality of our elections. We look forward to engaging further as we prepare for 2027,” Yakubu concluded.

Both INEC and the EU delegation reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration as Nigeria sets its sights on the 2027 general elections.