INEC Urges National Assembly to Expedite Electoral Law Amendments

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of proposed amendments to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. He made the appeal during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday with the European Union Election Observation Follow‑up Mission to Nigeria, led by Barry Andrews. Yakubu stressed that early adoption of the amended electoral law is essential for the commission’s effective planning ahead of the next general election, noting that uncertainty about the legal framework could unsettle the commission’s work as the election approaches.

Yakubu recalled that the EU Election Observation Mission’s (EU EOM) report on the 2023 general election contained 23 recommendations, eight of which required action from INEC. The commission has thoroughly reviewed all eight recommendations and has implemented those that require only administrative measures. Action is also underway on cross‑cutting recommendations that demand collective effort between INEC and other bodies and stakeholders, while the commission awaits the conclusion of the National Assembly’s legal review of recommendations that need legislative intervention.

The EU’s recommendations, together with those from other national and international observers, formed part of extensive consultations with key institutions and stakeholders during INEC’s post‑election review of the 2023 general election. That review produced 142 recommendations for electoral reform, and INEC published its main report on the 2023 election over a year ago.

Barry Andrews, leader of the EU Election Observation Mission, said the mission was in Nigeria to assess progress in implementing the EU EOM’s recommendations. He explained that the mission was particularly interested in the extent of implementation, any challenges encountered, and concerns about future reforms, especially those requiring constitutional amendments. While acknowledging significant progress, Andrews noted time constraints affecting both judicial and administrative reforms. He highlighted the mission’s focus on steps taken to enhance transparency in the publication of results, a key recommendation from the report.

The meeting between INEC and the EU Election Observation Mission underscores the importance of international cooperation and observation in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral processes. Implementing the recommendations will be crucial for ensuring the integrity and transparency of future elections. With the next general election approaching, the passage of the amended electoral law and the execution of these recommendations will be closely watched by national and international stakeholders.