As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly to speed up the completion of key electoral reforms. According to the Commission, early legal clarity is crucial for effective election planning and execution.
Earlier, INEC proposed major changes to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. These include enabling voting rights for prisoners and Nigerians in the diaspora, along with creating new bodies, the Electoral Offences Commission and the Political Party Regulatory Agency.
The Commission presented its latest position on Monday during a retreat in Lagos. The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters hosted the event, with a focus on updating Nigeria’s Electoral Legal Framework.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the retreat’s importance. He noted that a similar meeting five years ago had helped fix a recurring problem, election postponements due to delays in printing and delivering sensitive materials like ballot papers.
Yakubu explained that local printers had the technical ability to deliver, but tight timelines hindered efficiency. Under the 2010 Electoral Act, INEC had just 60 days between party primaries and the general elections to finalize candidates for 1,491 positions.
Due to this short window, INEC found it hard to prepare voter registers and essential materials. While the Commission originally requested a full year, the National Assembly approved a six-month (180-day) buffer. As a result, the 2023 elections started on schedule for the first time in three cycles. Notably, all sensitive materials were printed in Nigeria, earning praise from the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON).
Looking ahead, Yakubu promised that INEC would continue to share its practical insights with lawmakers. He stressed that timely reforms would help strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. He also urged the National Assembly to conclude the legal review early enough for INEC to begin implementation.
Professor Mohammad Kuna, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, outlined specific legislative gaps that must be addressed. He recommended allowing special voting options for essential workers, election personnel, inmates, and Nigerians abroad. This would involve inserting a new sub-section 12(2) and amending Section 45 of the Electoral Act.
Furthermore, he pushed for the creation of two regulatory bodies. These agencies would handle political party registration, monitoring, and discipline. Their formation would require multiple amendments to the current Electoral Act.
Kuna also suggested new rules to stop parties from swapping candidates after the publication of final lists, except in cases of death. In addition, he called for stricter penalties against political parties that fail to hold timely primaries or congresses.
Inclusive Voting and Technical Adjustments
To boost inclusion, Kuna urged lawmakers to amend Sections 48, 49, 71, and 91 of the Constitution. These changes would introduce reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities.
He also advised updating the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) system. Suggestions included allowing electronically downloadable voter cards or the use of other recognized identification methods.
To improve transparency, Kuna recommended extending the preliminary voter register display period from 14 to 21 days. This would allow more time for voters to review and submit claims or objections. He also proposed that INEC’s power to review results under duress be clearly stated in the law.
Finally, he pointed out the need to fix technical inconsistencies in the Electoral Act 2022. These include issues with result transmission and the use of voter cards.
INEC’s appeal to the National Assembly highlights the urgent need for legal reforms ahead of the 2027 elections. By acting promptly, lawmakers can help ensure a smoother, fairer, and more inclusive electoral process for all Nigerians.
