By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated its commitment to implementing recommendations from the European Union (EU) and other international partners as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday while receiving the European Union Election Observation Follow-up Mission, led by Mr. Barry Andrews, a Member of the European Parliament and chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria’s 2023 polls.
Yakubu explained that the visit aligns with the EU’s tradition of assessing mid-term progress on its recommendations, noting that Nigeria has consistently benefited from such engagements.
“In 2019, the EU made 30 recommendations, 11 of which were addressed to INEC, including three priority ones. By comparison, the 2023 report made 23 recommendations, with eight directed at INEC and one listed as priority,” Yakubu stated.
“The remaining 15 recommendations, including five priority areas, require action from the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, civil society, the media, and professional bodies.”
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission has already taken administrative steps within its powers while working with other stakeholders on broader reforms. He noted that recommendations requiring legislative changes are being reviewed in collaboration with the National Assembly.
According to him, INEC’s post-election review of the 2023 General Election, which also incorporated feedback from domestic and international observers, produced 142 reform proposals. Many of these have already been forwarded to lawmakers for legislative consideration.
“Elections are governed by law, and many of your recommendations require legal reforms,” Yakubu said.
“We have engaged extensively with the National Assembly, including a retreat with its Joint Committee on Electoral Matters. We appeal for the expeditious passage of electoral reform proposals, as uncertainty over the legal framework unsettles our planning.”
Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inviting international observers including the EU, Commonwealth, African Union, and ECOWAS for the 2027 elections, stressing that their independent assessments remain crucial to enhancing electoral credibility.
He also praised the EU for its sustained partnership through the EU-SDGN (Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria) programme, assuring that the Commission looks forward to deepening collaboration.
“Your recommendations and continued partnership help us improve our elections. We look forward to working closely with you as we prepare for 2027,” he concluded.
The meeting was attended by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, mission experts, senior INEC officials, and members of the INEC Press Corps.
