By Adenike Lawal
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has assured Nigerians that key amendments to the Electoral Act will be finalized well before the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, shortly after President Bola Tinubu swore in two new INEC National Commissioners, Yakubu reaffirmed his leadership at the helm of the commission, dismissing swirling rumours of his removal.
“There is no vacancy. I remain the INEC Chairman, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation, and the Returning Officer for presidential elections,” he declared firmly.
Yakubu explained that the Commission, in collaboration with stakeholders, reviewed the 2023 general elections and came up with 142 reform recommendations. Out of these, eight require amendments to the Electoral Act or the Constitution.
“We are working closely with the National Assembly. The joint committee on electoral reform has met with us, and we just concluded a retreat in Lagos. A public hearing is next before the amended bill goes to the President for assent,” he disclosed.
The newly sworn-in commissioners, Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf (North West) and Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja (South East), bring the Commission closer to its full constitutional strength, following the recent passing of Major General Modibbo Alkali (retired).
“This helps us prepare better for future elections. It boosts our institutional strength,” Yakubu said.
President Tinubu also administered the oath of office to two new members of the Code of Conduct Bureau — Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem of Cross River and retired Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure of Taraba State.
The reform process, according to analysts, is expected to improve transparency and voter confidence as Nigeria marches toward the 2027 elections.
