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 general elections. He gave the assurance on Monday while speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swore in two new National Commissioners.
Responding to recent speculation about his position, Professor Yakubu dismissed rumours of his removal, affirming that he remains in office. “I am still here,” he stated, firmly denying claims of his dismissal.
Yakubu also revealed that the Commission had undertaken a thorough review of the 2023 general elections in partnership with key stakeholders, resulting in 142 reform recommendations. Of these, eight require changes to the Electoral Act or the Constitution.
“We engaged with stakeholders and came up with 142 recommendations. Eight of those will need constitutional or Electoral Act amendments, and we’ve already discussed this with the National Assembly,” he explained, adding that INEC is actively collaborating with lawmakers to ensure these legislative changes are enacted.
He further disclosed that INEC recently held a retreat in Lagos with the joint Senate and House of Representatives committee on electoral reform. “After this, the National Assembly will hold a public hearing. A new bill will then be presented to the President for assent,” Yakubu added.
While the National Assembly will provide more detailed updates on the reform process, the INEC Chairman expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration and the speed at which lawmakers are addressing the reforms. “We’re pleased with our engagement so far and the urgency shown by the National Assembly to ensure key amendments are made ahead of 2027,” he said.
Yakubu also confirmed that with the swearing-in of the new commissioners from the Southeast and Northwest, the Commission now has a complete complement of national commissioners as required by law.
