ABUJA, Nigeria – In a bold move that could reshape Nigeria’s electoral future, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed that major amendments to the country’s Electoral Act will be completed before the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday after the swearing-in of two new INEC National Commissioners by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Yakubu said that INEC had reviewed the 2023 elections and generated 142 critical recommendations, eight of which require constitutional or Electoral Act amendments.
“We engaged stakeholders, reviewed the entire electoral process and came up with 142 recommendations. Out of these, eight demand constitutional or legal changes, and we’ve already presented them to the National Assembly,” Yakubu said.
He expressed confidence that the legislative process is on a fast track, following fruitful discussions and a recent strategic retreat in Lagos with the joint Senate and House Committee on Electoral Reform.
“So far, so good. We are satisfied with the cooperation of the lawmakers and the urgency they are showing. A public hearing is expected soon, after which a new bill will be sent to the President for assent.”
Dismisses Removal Rumours, Affirms His Position
Amid growing speculation in political circles, Prof. Yakubu cleared the air regarding his tenure, declaring that he remains firmly in office as the head of the electoral body.
“As far as the law is concerned—and to the best of my knowledge—I remain the Chairman of INEC, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation, and the returning officer for presidential elections under the Electoral Act.”
New Commissioners Sworn In to Strengthen INEC
Monday’s ceremony also saw the swearing-in of two newly appointed National Commissioners:
Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf (Northwest)
Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja (Southeast)
Yakubu emphasized that their appointment fills long-standing vacancies in the commission and brings INEC closer to full capacity.
“The Commission comprises the Chairman and 12 National Commissioners—two from each geopolitical zone. With these appointments, we are nearly at full strength, except for the unfortunate passing of Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd). May his soul rest in peace.”
Code of Conduct Bureau Also Gets New Members
President Tinubu also administered the oath of office to two new members of the Code of Conduct Bureau:
Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem from Cross River State
Retired Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure from Taraba State
This development signals the government’s drive to revamp key democratic institutions ahead of future national elections.
