The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has assured that all necessary amendments to the Electoral Act will be finalized before the 2027 elections. He made this statement on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Addressing rumors about his removal, Professor Yakubu affirmed that he remains the Chief Electoral Officer of Nigeria. He spoke to journalists after witnessing the inauguration of two new National Commissioners by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The INEC boss noted that the commission, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, reviewed the 2023 general elections and produced 142 recommendations. Of these, eight require amendments to the Electoral Act or the Constitution.
He also highlighted that the commission now has a full complement of commissioners, as required by law, following the appointment of the recent appointees from Southeast and Northwest regions.
Regarding electoral reforms, Yakubu said INEC has been engaging with the National Assembly. He recounted a recent retreat in Lagos with the joint Senate and House of Representatives committee on electoral reform. He explained that the National Assembly will hold a public hearing before drafting a new bill, which will then be submitted to the President for assent.
While he refrained from giving detailed specifics, Yakubu emphasized that INEC is working closely with the legislature to implement amendments ahead of the 2027 polls, and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.