The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has assured the European Union (EU) of Nigeria’s commitment to implementing key electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yakubu gave the assurance on Monday during a meeting with the EU Election Observation Follow-Up Mission, led by Mr. Barry Andrews, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the INEC Chairman noted that this is the third time the Commission is hosting a follow-up mission, stressing the importance of sustained engagement with international partners.
He recalled that the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the 2019 polls made 30 recommendations, with 11 directed at INEC, while the 2023 report contained 23 recommendations, eight of which (about 35%) were specific to the Commission. He said INEC has acted on recommendations requiring administrative measures, while awaiting legislative interventions for those that need legal backing.
“Your recommendations, along with similar reports from other national and international observers, formed part of our wide-ranging consultations during the review of the 2023 General Election. Our review report contains 142 recommendations for electoral reform, in addition to the comprehensive election report already published on our website,” Yakubu explained.
The INEC boss emphasized the need for an early passage of amendments to the Electoral Act to give the Commission a clear legal framework ahead of 2027. He disclosed that INEC has engaged the National Assembly, including a retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, to push for timely reforms.
He also assured that the EU, along with other international observer groups such as the Commonwealth, African Union, and ECOWAS, will be invited to observe the 2027 elections.
“International observation strengthens transparency and helps improve the quality of our elections. We value the EU’s continued support under the EU-SDGN programme,” Yakubu added.
The EU Follow-Up Mission is in Nigeria to monitor progress in the implementation of its recommendations halfway between the last and the forthcoming general elections.
The Delegation from the EU Observation Mission led by Mr Ralph-Michael Peters – Election Expert, Mr Barry Andrews – Member of European Parliament and Chief of Mission, EU Follow Mission, Mr Gautier Mignot – EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Eirini-Maria Gounari – Election Legal Expert, Mr Maros Gabriel – Election Administration Expert, and Ms Laolu Olawumi – Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law, EU Delegation