The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to introduce new guidelines to standardize the review of election results, addressing growing concerns about inconsistent interpretations of existing electoral laws.
At Tuesday’s quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu revealed plans to issue supplementary regulations to the 2022 Election Guidelines. The move comes amid confusion surrounding Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which allows INEC to review declared election results under specific conditions.
“As we approach the bye-elections, the off-cycle governorship elections, and ultimately the 2027 General Election, the commission is concerned with the various interpretations given to the provision of Section 65,” Yakubu stated.
“The commission is working on a supplement to the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022 to provide clarity on the review of declaration and return at elections.”
The INEC boss indicated the new guidelines could be released as early as this week and will be published on the commission’s website for public access. This follows recent consultations with political parties, civil society groups, media representatives, and security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Yakubu reminded RECs that their roles extend beyond election seasons, urging proactive management of electoral processes in their states.
“Your work does not begin as the General Election approaches. You are full-time commissioners,” he emphasized, listing critical ongoing responsibilities including voter register maintenance, polling unit decongestion, and stakeholder engagement.
The commission outlined its packed election schedule through August 2026, within bye-elections in 12 states on 16 August 2025, Anambra governorship election on 8 November 2025, FCT Area Council elections on 21 February 2026, Ekiti governorship election on 20 June 2026, and Osun governorship election on 8 August 2026.
Preparations are already underway, with political campaigns commenced in Anambra and party primaries completed for FCT polls.
INEC will restart the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide on 18 August 2025 for online applications, followed by in-person registration from 25 August. Anambra State will launch its special CVR next week across all 326 wards to meet the 90-day statutory deadline before its governorship election.
Leave a comment