INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu has reaffirmed his position as Nigeria’s Chief Electoral Officer, dismissing rumors of his removal, and assured that amendments to the Electoral Act will be finalized ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday after the inauguration of two new National Commissioners, Yakubu emphasized his constitutional mandate, stating, “I remain the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and under the Constitution, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation, and under the Electoral Act, the returning officer for the presidential election.”
The newly sworn-in commissioners from the Southeast and Northwest regions fill vacancies in the 12-member body, bringing INEC closer to its full legal complement. “We have almost the full complement of commissioners,” Yakubu noted, acknowledging the recent passing of Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd), whose position remains unfilled.
On electoral reforms, the INEC chairman disclosed that a review of the 2023 general elections yielded 142 recommendations, with eight requiring constitutional or legislative amendments. Collaborating with the National Assembly, he confirmed progress toward revising the Electoral Act, citing a recent retreat with lawmakers in Lagos and plans for a public hearing.
“The National Assembly is going to organize a public hearing, and it’s after this that a new bill will… be submitted to the President for assent,” he explained, adding that the commission is committed to ensuring “necessary amendments [are] done ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Yakubu dismissed speculation about his tenure as a distraction, urging focus on institutional reforms. “We don’t need to waste time on unnecessary speculations,” he asserted, reiterating INEC’s dedication to strengthening electoral processes. “We’re working with the National Assembly on electoral reform… so far, so good.”
The remarks underscore INEC’s efforts to address post-2023 election challenges while preparing for future polls, with Yakubu’s leadership remaining central to the commission’s agenda.
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