The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the National Assembly to expedite the amendment of the country’s electoral legal framework.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with Barry Andrews, Head of the European Union Election Observation Follow-Up Mission to Nigeria.
Yakubu emphasized that timely passage of the amended legislation is vital for adequate preparation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that uncertainty over the legal framework could disrupt the commission’s planning as the election approaches.
Yakubu noted that INEC has reviewed the eight recommendations made specifically to it in the EU’s report on the 2023 elections. He recalled that in 2019, the EU issued 30 recommendations, with 11 directed at INEC—three of which were listed as priorities.
He added that 15 of the recommendations require action from other institutions such as the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, and other stakeholders.
Yakubu explained that the commission has already acted on recommendations needing only administrative steps, while work is ongoing on those requiring collaboration or legislative support.
On his part, Andrews said the EU team visited to assess INEC’s implementation of the 2023 election recommendations, progress made, and remaining challenges—especially those involving constitutional and legal reforms.
He acknowledged notable progress but pointed out ongoing challenges related to judicial and administrative reforms.
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