The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the publication of the commission’s report reviewing the 2023 elections, now available on the INEC website. Speaking at the induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos, Yakubu revealed that the commission has formulated 142 recommendations to enhance future electoral processes.
Yakubu highlighted the categorization of these recommendations, noting that most are actionable by INEC through administrative measures. Some require cooperation with security agencies, amendments to the electoral legal framework by the National Assembly, or implementation by political parties and other stakeholders. He assured that once the report is finalized, it will be publicly shared, and INEC will engage with Nigerians on the proposed reforms.
Yakubu emphasized the continuous nature of elections in Nigeria, mentioning the nine by-elections conducted since the inauguration of the National and State Assembly in 2023 and the five remaining by-elections before the 2027 general elections. He mentioned that the FCT Area Council elections are due in 2026, indicating no respite for the commission.
Addressing the flood disaster in Edo State, Yakubu reported that over 4,000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were affected, with about 3,500 recovered so far. He assured that additional support from neighboring states would be sought to ensure sufficient machines for the election.
The retreat aims not only to induct new appointees but also to review performance, reappraise processes, discuss innovations, and engage service providers. Yakubu emphasized the need for continuous improvement and implementation of reforms and innovations. He highlighted the importance of leveraging experience to address recurring challenges in pre-election and post-election litigations, logistics, voter education, strategic communication, combating fake news, inclusivity, voter registration, polling unit management, technology, political party issues, election security, and code of conduct.
Yakubu expressed gratitude to Development Associates Inc. (DAI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for supporting the retreat and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to transparent and inclusive elections. The retreat had in attendance RECs from the 36 states, directors, and other management staff members of the commission.