By Mustapha Muhammad
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly to fast-track the finalization of the electoral legal framework to ensure smooth preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal during a retreat with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Lagos on Monday.
He stressed the need for timely reforms to allow sufficient implementation time.
“I wish to appeal to the National Assembly to expedite action to conclude the electoral legal framework speedily so that the Commission will have enough time for implementation,” Yakubu stated.
Reflecting on past efforts, he noted that a similar retreat in 2020 led to the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010, resulting in the current Electoral Act 2022.
“Some of you here may recall that five years ago, a similar retreat was organised here in Lagos in March 2020 involving INEC and the two Committees of the National Assembly (NASS) on Electoral Matters,” he said.
“That effort, among many other initiatives, resulted in the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). The result is the current Electoral Act 2022.”
Yakubu highlighted the importance of refining electoral laws to accommodate technological advancements, align with judicial rulings, and address ambiguities.
He also cited recommendations from past reform committees, including those led by Justice Mohammed Uwais (2009), Sheikh Ahmed Lemu (2011), and Senator Ken Nnamani (2017).
He emphasized the value of collaborative engagements between lawmakers and INEC, stating that such retreats offer deeper insights than standard public hearings.
“A retreat like the ongoing provides a focused engagement and a better insight into the challenges of election management beyond what can be achieved in a few hours of public hearing in a Committee Room at the National Assembly,” he added.
The INEC boss expressed optimism that continued cooperation would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 polls.
Leave a comment