In a significant appeal to bolster Nigeria’s electoral framework, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called on the National Assembly to hasten the passage of amendments to the country’s electoral legal framework. This plea was made during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, October 2, 2025, when Yakubu received a delegation from the European Union (EU) Election Observation Follow-up Mission to Nigeria, led by Mr. Barry Andrews, who also headed the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) during Nigeria’s 2023 General Election. The urgency of Yakubu’s call stems from the need to provide certainty and clarity to INEC’s preparations for the next general election, as delays in legislative updates could disrupt the commission’s planning and operational efficiency as elections draw closer.
Yakubu emphasized that an uncertain legal framework poses significant challenges for INEC, as elections are fundamentally governed by law. “Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the commission as election draws nearer,” he stated, underscoring the importance of timely legislative action to ensure smooth electoral processes. The INEC chairman’s remarks reflect the commission’s proactive stance in seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system by addressing gaps and implementing recommendations from both domestic and international observers, particularly those outlined in the EU EOM’s 2023 General Election report.
During the meeting, Yakubu provided a detailed overview of INEC’s response to the EU EOM’s recommendations, highlighting the commission’s commitment to improving electoral processes. The EU EOM’s 2023 report included 23 recommendations, with eight (34.8%) specifically directed at INEC. Of these, one was classified as a priority recommendation, while the remaining 15 (65.2%) required action from other entities, including the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, and various stakeholders. Five of these broader recommendations were also categorized as priority actions. Yakubu noted that this marked a reduction compared to the EU EOM’s 2019 report, which included 30 recommendations, 11 of which were aimed at INEC, with three identified as priorities and eight as general.
Yakubu assured the EU delegation that INEC had carefully considered all eight recommendations addressed to the commission in the 2023 report. He outlined the progress made, stating, “Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement.” Additionally, INEC is actively collaborating with other stakeholders on cross-cutting recommendations that necessitate collective efforts. However, recommendations requiring legislative intervention are still pending, as they await the National Assembly’s ongoing review of the electoral legal framework. This legislative bottleneck underscores the urgency of Yakubu’s appeal for expedited action from lawmakers.
The INEC chairman further highlighted the commission’s broader efforts to incorporate feedback from various election observation reports, including those from national and international observers. These reports formed the basis for extensive consultations with critical institutions and stakeholders during INEC’s comprehensive review of the 2023 General Election. The review process culminated in a detailed report, published over a year ago, which contains 142 recommendations for electoral reform. Yakubu emphasized that many of these recommendations, including those from the EU EOM, require amendments to Nigeria’s electoral laws, necessitating close collaboration with the National Assembly.
To this end, INEC has actively engaged with the legislature, including organizing a retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters to discuss proposed reforms. Yakubu reiterated the commission’s commitment to continued engagement with the EU EOM and other observers, noting that their recommendations have significantly contributed to improving the quality of Nigeria’s elections and electoral activities. “Your recommendations have helped to improve the quality of our elections and electoral activities,” he told the EU delegation, expressing gratitude for their support in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.
In his remarks, Mr. Barry Andrews, the head of the EU EOM Follow-up Mission, expressed the delegation’s interest in assessing INEC’s progress in implementing the recommendations outlined in the 2023 General Election report. Andrews acknowledged the significant strides made by INEC, stating, “We are very happy to see that there has been significant progress against these recommendations.” He noted, however, that certain challenges remain, particularly in the areas of judicial, administrative, and constitutional reforms, which are subject to time constraints. Andrews emphasized that the EU’s recommendations are grounded in international standards that Nigeria, along with many other countries, has committed to uphold. These standards form part of a global election observation ecosystem aimed at supporting and strengthening democracy worldwide, including in Nigeria, Africa, and Europe.
Andrews also highlighted the importance of transparency in electoral processes, specifically referencing the EU EOM’s recommendation on improving the publication of election results. Since the 2023 General Election, Nigeria has conducted several off-cycle governorship elections, and Andrews expressed interest in understanding the measures INEC has implemented to enhance transparency in these processes. This focus on transparency aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that electoral outcomes accurately reflect the will of the people and are communicated effectively to the public.
Yakubu’s appeal to the National Assembly comes at a critical juncture, as Nigeria prepares for future elections amid ongoing discussions about electoral reform. The INEC chairman’s call for expedited legislative action underscores the interconnectedness of legal frameworks, administrative processes, and stakeholder collaboration in ensuring credible and transparent elections. By addressing the EU EOM’s recommendations and engaging with lawmakers, INEC is demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing systemic challenges and building public confidence in the electoral process.
The EU EOM’s follow-up mission reflects the international community’s continued interest in supporting Nigeria’s democratic development. The mission’s engagement with INEC provides an opportunity to assess progress, identify obstacles, and offer further guidance on aligning Nigeria’s electoral practices with global best practices. Andrews’ acknowledgment of INEC’s progress, coupled with his recognition of the challenges posed by constitutional and judicial reforms, highlights the complexity of electoral reform in a dynamic political environment like Nigeria’s.
As INEC awaits legislative action from the National Assembly, the commission continues to implement administrative reforms and collaborate with stakeholders to address cross-cutting issues. The 142 recommendations outlined in INEC’s 2023 General Election review report provide a roadmap for comprehensive electoral reform, covering areas such as voter registration, polling processes, result management, and stakeholder engagement. By prioritizing these reforms, INEC aims to enhance the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of future elections, ensuring that they meet both national expectations and international standards.
Yakubu’s engagement with the EU EOM underscores the importance of international partnerships in strengthening democratic institutions. The EU’s election observation efforts, which extend beyond Nigeria to other parts of Africa and the world, play a critical role in promoting accountability and transparency in electoral processes. By working closely with organizations like the EU, INEC can leverage global expertise and resources to address challenges and implement reforms that enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.
In conclusion, Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s appeal to the National Assembly to expedite amendments to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework reflects the urgency of ensuring a robust and predictable legal environment for future elections. His engagement with the EU EOM Follow-up Mission highlights INEC’s commitment to implementing recommendations from the 2023 General Election report, with significant progress made on administrative actions and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders. However, the success of these efforts depends heavily on legislative support, as many recommendations require changes to the electoral laws. As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, the partnership between INEC, the National Assembly, and international observers like the EU will be crucial in building a more transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral system. The call for swift legislative action is not only a practical necessity but also a step toward reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s democracy, ensuring that elections reflect the true will of the people.
