The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over delays by the National Assembly in amending electoral laws, warning that this could seriously hamper its preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the critical need for timely legislative action to provide a clear and updated legal framework for the electoral process.
Speaking during a meeting with the European Union Election Observation follow-up mission led by Barry Andrews, Yakubu highlighted that uncertainty over the legal framework unsettles the commission’s work as election timelines approach. He cited key reforms including early and special voting mechanisms, clearer election result collation processes, and protecting INEC’s independence as priorities requiring swift legislative endorsement.
The 2027 elections will be conducted under the Electoral Act 2022 unless the ongoing review process concludes with the President’s assent to amendments. Delays in the legal reforms risk leaving INEC without the necessary tools to address historic challenges like vote manipulation, electoral violence, and voter disenfranchisement.
Yakubu also noted that many EU recommendations following the 2023 elections require legislative intervention, reinforcing the urgency of concluding reforms that better protect voters’ rights and strengthen electoral integrity.
The Chairman called on the National Assembly to fast-track these amendments, assuring that INEC remains committed to implementing reforms within existing constraints but highlighted that operational effectiveness hinges on legal clarity.
The EU delegation praised Nigeria’s democratic progress but urged accelerated reforms to align with international electoral standards, underscoring that half-measures would undermine the credibility of the upcoming elections.
With just over 20 months left before Nigerians head to the polls in 2027, all eyes are on lawmakers to deliver prompt action that ensures a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process.
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