Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured Nigerians that proposed amendments to the Electoral Act will be finalized ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking after the swearing-in of two new National Commissioners at the Presidential Villa, Yakubu dismissed rumors about his removal, stating: “I remain Nigeria’s Chief Electoral Officer.”
Key Developments:
- 142 Recommendations: INEC’s post-2023 election review produced 142 reform proposals, with 8 requiring constitutional/legal amendments
- Legislative Engagement: The commission recently held a Lagos retreat with National Assembly joint committees on electoral matters
- New Appointees: President Tinubu inaugurated:
• Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf (Northwest Commissioner)
• Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja (Southeast Commissioner, Ebonyi) - CCB Appointments: Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem (Cross River) and Hon. Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure (retd) (Taraba) joined Code of Conduct Bureau
Context:
The reforms aim to address 2023 election challenges, with National Assembly public hearings expected soon. Yakubu’s confirmation comes amid ongoing debates about INEC’s performance and calls for electoral system improvements.
The commission now has near-full membership (12 commissioners) following the recent passing of Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd).
