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  • INEC denies breaching court order, dismisses report of arrest warrant for ex-chairman Yakubu

    INEC denies breaching court order, dismisses report of arrest warrant for ex-chairman Yakubu

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied breaching any judgment of the Federal High Court that directed it to recognise the executive of the Action Alliance (AA) elected on October 7, 2023, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    In a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC stated that it had fully complied with the court’s directive.

    Olumekun also clarified that there was no existing court order authorizing the arrest of the Commission’s immediate past Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    “Our attention has been drawn to media reports claiming that the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, on September 29, 2025, ordered the arrest of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for allegedly disobeying its judgment in a case involving the Action Alliance (AA),” the statement read.

    “The Commission wishes to categorically state that it has not violated any court order and has fully complied with the judgment concerning the Action Alliance’s leadership,” Olumekun added.

    “But the misleading reports mischievously omitted the Commission’s subsequent action on the case, erroneously portrayed the matter involving a corporate entity, namely INEC, as an individual affair and gave the wrong impression that the Court gave a fresh order after the initial pronouncement made on 29th September.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “In line with its long-established tradition of always obeying court judgements and orders, the Commission on Monday 6th October 2025, which was still within the deadline, filed processes at the Federal High Court, Oshogbo to show that we had complied with its judgement and order of recognising the Action Alliance’s (AA) executive elected on 7th October 2023 at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    “The dashboard of the Commission’s web site showing compliance was tendered as evidence.

    “However, when the judgement creditors filed a counter affidavit to complain that the Commission partially complied by listing the names of only four national executives without the National Chairman, Rufai Omoaje, the Commission responded by attaching the Notice of Appeal filed by the same Omoaje at the Supreme Court, challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal sacking him as the National Chairman of the party. 

    “The judgement of the Court of Appeal is superior to that of the federal high court, hence, the Commission cannot list Omoaje’s name as the Chairman of the Action Alliance party when the judgement of the Appeal Court is still subsisting.

    “We appeal to media organisations to fact-check their reports before publication to avoid misleading the public”.

    Meanwhile, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE) has concluded its working visit to the commission. 

    Speaking at a farewell dinner for! The visiting delegation, Acting Chairman of INEC, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian delegation for selecting Nigeria as their preferred destination for the study tour, describing the engagement as mutually beneficial.

    She said “I want to thank you all for coming to our country. Abuja is a beautiful city surrounded by hills and greenery, and I hope you will find time to visit again. We share many similarities as large, diverse nations committed to deepening democracy. Though we have unique experiences, we are all learning from one another.”

    She commended the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for his dedication to strengthening the Commission through technological innovation and institutional reform and expressed optimism that the lessons shared during the visit would further support the growth and independence of Ethiopia’s electoral processes.

    “We hope that all you have learnt here will contribute positively to the advancement of democratic practices in your country. Please enjoy the evening, the music, and our cuisine. Abuja is full of life and beauty.”

    Responding on behalf of the visiting delegation, the Deputy Chairman of NEBE, Mr. Tesfaye Niwai, conveyed his gratitude to INEC for the warm reception and fruitful engagements during the study visit.

    “This is my first time in Nigeria, and it has been an exceptional experience,” he stated. “Nigeria’s diversity, energy, and democratic strength are inspiring. Our expectations have been fully met. We have gained valuable insights into INEC’s structure, its legal framework, and its strategies for inclusivity, planning, and stakeholder engagement.”

    He noted that the lessons learned from the visit would inform ongoing reforms in Ethiopia’s electoral system and strengthen collaboration between both institutions.

  • Low voter turnout at elections worrisome, says INEC

    Low voter turnout at elections worrisome, says INEC

    Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Bolade Eyinla, said statistics of Nigerians who turn out to vote have continued to be on the decline, saying an election in which less than 50% of registered voters comes out is tainted by a shadow of legitimacy.

    Speaking at the YIAGA Africa 2027 elections scenarios and election manipulation risk in red retreat in Abuja, Prof Eyinla said that available data shows the voter turnout in the presidential elections since 2011 are as follows: 2011-53.7%; 2015-43.6%; 2019 -34.7% and 2023-26.7%.

    He said: “One major reason adduced for this declining voter turnout are that the introduction of technology for voter authentication and accreditation (SCR in 2015 and BVAS in 2023) made double/multiple voting and ballot box stuffing more difficult, thereby reducing the number of votes cast in relation to the number of registered voters, which some believed is over bloated.

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    “Other reasons include voter apathy as a result of evident lack of the dividends of democracy, loss of trust by citizens in the electoral process premised on the believe that their votes do not count or unwillingness, especially among the elite to suffer the inconveniences of voting.

    “Irrespective of the reason(s) for this situation, the percentage of voters turning out to exercise their franchise on Election Day should be a matter of concern to all electoral stakeholders and citizens.

    “Although the electoral system is based on first past the post, an election in which less than 50% of registered voters comes out to vote is tainted by a shadow of legitimacy. It is therefore imperative for INEC to provide votes with pleasant voting experience by removing all known barriers to the ballot box and all stakeholders to up the ante in voter education,sensitisation and mobilisation.”

    According to him, any talk of reviewing the process of appointing the Chairman, National and Resident Electoral Commissioners of INEC by removing the power of appointment from the President under the prevailing circumstances is not feasible before the 2027 general elections in view of the tedious process of altering any of the provisions in the Constitution.

    He explained that after a review of the 2023 general election, 142 recommendations were made for improving the electoral process, adding that the Commission has taken necessary steps to implement
    some of the recommendations arising from the review that requires administrative
    action.

    He said further the Commission has formulated its position on the recommendations that requires tinkering with the electoral legal framework and submitted same to the National Assembly for consideration.

    According to him: “It is another matter entirely if the Assembly will act expeditiously and do the needful, especially in regard to such important issues as early voting for election officials, security personnel, accredited observers and journalist on election duty, review of Section 47(1)of the Electoral Act 2022 on the presentation of PVC as a requirement to vote and making electronic transmission of results mandatory.

    “When it is considered that elections are governed by law, the National Assembly must speedily consider the proposed amendment to the legal framework and amend the Electoral Act 2022 or enact a new Electoral Act before the release of the timetable and schedule of activities one year to the election, that is in February 2026.

    “This is to ensure certainty in the electoral legal framework that will govern the election, guide the actions and activities of the Commission and all electoral stakeholders, especially the political parties in the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates.

    “It will also enable INEC to quickly review its regulations,guidelines and manuals in line with any amendment or provisions in the amended or new Act.”

    He said the Commission is also engaging with relevant stakeholders to implement the 48 other recommendations from the review of the 2023 general elections, saying the “implementation of these recommendation will require action by key actors in the electoral process including the judiciary, security and law enforcement agencies, political parties, regulatory agencies, the media and civil society organisations.”

  • Tasks before new INEC chairman

    Tasks before new INEC chairman

    As Prof Mahmood Yakubu steps down as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the end of next month, Nigeria’s democracy faces a defining moment. Prof. Ojo Amupitan will inherit both the tools of reform and the burden of mistrust—a complex mix of technology, politics, and expectation. The challenge is not just to manage elections, but to rebuild faith in the very act of voting, writes Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI.

    The mood in Abuja is electrifying. As Prof Mahmood Yakubu bows out as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the air in political circles is thick with speculation and scepticism.

    Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), his successor, will not only inherit Yakubu’s innovations but also his burden. He will take charge of an institution both praised and criticised harshly: one that has reshaped how Nigerians vote, and how they doubt.

    Amupitan should guarantee that by 2027, the ballot will not only count but be believed.

    “We don’t just need a referee,” says youth activist Aisha Abdullahi in Kano. “We need a credible one. It’s not the voting that hurts; it’s watching results vanish between the polling unit and Abuja.”

    From reform to relapse

    The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) once raised hopes of transparency. Yet when the system stuttered in 2023, with slow uploads, missing results, and unexplained “technical glitches”, those hopes quickly vanished.

    “Technology doesn’t build trust; people do,” notes Ezenwa Nwagwu, convener of the Say No Campaign. “The next INEC chairman must understand that credibility isn’t just about machines—it’s about management and communication.”

    Integrity and independence

    Nigeria’s electoral history has always revolved around one question: trust. Political analyst and former INEC director Prof. Okey Ibeanu puts it bluntly: “You can have BVAS, IReV, and 10 acronyms after that, but if the leadership of INEC is not seen as neutral, everything else falls apart.”

    The single most vital quality Nigerians now demand of the incoming chairman is unquestionable integrity—whether it is Amupitan, with his legal gravitas, Liman, with his judicial discipline, or Olurode, with his insider experience.

    “The individual must be de-tribalized, honest, and independent,” says Austin Aigbe of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network. “He must understand the system and withstand pressure from any quarter.”

    Paul James, Election Manager at Yiaga Africa, adds: “The next INEC chairman should embody integrity, independence, and a commitment to credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.”

    Yakubu, to his credit, survived intense political pressure and completed two election cycles—the first chairman to do so since 1999. Yet his tenure was marked by accusations of inconsistency, especially after the 2023 polls. “He tried to be fair,” says an INEC insider, “but fairness isn’t only about doing right—it’s about being seen to do right.”

    Public perception of neutrality has become INEC’s biggest test. The next chairman must fiercely safeguard it.

    Beyond technology

    Under Yakubu’s leadership, INEC adopted BVAS and IReV, which were an upgrade of the Smart Card Reader introduced in 2015. However, their failures in 2023 exposed persistent weaknesses: poor connectivity, untrained ad-hoc staff, and opaque communication.

    “INEC cannot keep treating election day like a surprise party,” says Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director. “You can’t test new technology on the day of the match. The next chairman must plan, test, train, and communicate.”

    Kenya’s 2017 presidential election, annulled due to irregularities in digital result transmission, compelled the election management body to introduce more reforms. “Nigeria can learn from that,” Itodo adds. “Technology must be transparent, not mysterious.”

    For this to happen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must nominate a man or woman of integrity. “He once criticised Jonathan for delaying reforms,” Aigbe recalls. “Now the ball is in his court.”

    The logistics labyrinth

    Few institutions in Nigeria face logistical challenges as complex as INEC’s, which must deploy materials, staff, and security across 176,000 polling units in a single day. Under Yakubu, there were visible improvements: early procurement, new polling units, and better coordination. Yet 2023 revealed familiar lapses: late commencement of elections and missing materials in several states.

    Read Also: INEC chair: Who ‘ll he be?

    “People blame technology,” says former INEC commissioner Dr Amina Zakari, “but sometimes the issue is a bad road, a missing truck, or a local security scare. Logistics involves more than just transportation; it also requires strategic intelligence and planning.”

    For 2027, Nigerians expect a chairman with not only integrity and innovation, but operational discipline; someone who treats logistics as a science and fights for timely funding. As Yakubu admitted, “INEC remains one of the most underfunded election commissions in Africa relative to its mandate.” Without early funding, reforms remain PowerPoint promises.

    Lessons from Ghana, Kenya, South Africa

    Across Africa, election commissions face similar pressures but handle them differently. Ghana’s Electoral Commission, led by Jean Mensa, managed a smooth 2020 poll through transparent engagement and communication. “When the public is informed, suspicion reduces,” says journalist Kwame Ofori.

    Kenya’s IEBC, after its 2017 crisis, now publishes polling-station results in real time. South Africa’s IEC derives credibility from institutional independence, backed by secure funding and legal protection.

    “Nigeria’s next INEC boss needs that kind of buffer,” argues lawyer Chidi Odinkalu. “You can’t build impartiality on political debt.”

    INEC’s autonomy remains fragile; legally granted but politically mediated. The next chairman must not only run elections but champion reforms that would insulate INEC constitutionally and financially from executive interference.

    Communication: The missing link

    When IReV faltered in 2023, Nigerians waited days for explanations. Silence filled the gap, and rumours took over.

    “That’s where Yakubu lost many people,” says a senior journalist. “Even if you’re right, if you go quiet, you lose the narrative.”

    The next INEC chairman must act as communicator-in-chief, not just a bureaucrat, offering quick, clear updates in plain language. Transparency is not optional; it’s survival. South Africa’s IEC holds open briefings and streams real-time dashboards. Nigerians deserve no less.

    Courage under pressure

    Integrity in Nigeria’s political environment is not abstract—it’s a battlefield. Political parties treat elections as warfare. Pressure on INEC comes from every direction.

    “The next INEC chairman must have the courage to say no,” insists Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed of the Northern Elders Forum. “Yakubu sometimes did, but not enough. Independence is not given; it’s taken.”

    Yakubu’s record on firmness illustrates the delicate balance he expertly maintained. His decision to deregister 74 political parties in 2020 showed courage.

    However, his hesitance in sanctioning voter intimidation and erring staff disappointed critics because it showed a lack of strong action against threats and misconduct.

    “We need a chairman who enforces rules equally—north or south, ruling or opposition,” Baba-Ahmed says.

    Security: Democracy’s fragile edge

    Elections in parts of Nigeria remain fraught with violence and intimidation. “The next INEC chairman must treat security as integral to election management,” says Clement Nwankwo of the Situation Room coalition.

    He calls for pre-election mapping of hot spots, joint planning with security agencies, and community peace-building. In 2023 alone, INEC reported over 40 incidents of violence and arson. Several INEC offices in the Southeast were destroyed ahead of the polls.

    “We need courage and strategy,” Nwankwo says. “Otherwise, fear will continue to disenfranchise citizens.”

    Inclusion and the human factor

    Under Yakubu, INEC improved access for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly—but implementation fell short of expectations. In conflict zones like Borno and Zamfara, many displaced voters remained disenfranchised.

    “The new chairman must bring empathy to the job,” says Grace Jerry of the Inclusive Friends Association. “If people with disabilities can’t access polling units, democracy is incomplete.”

    Aigbe adds, “Since 1999, we’ve only had male INEC chairmen. It’s time to give the job to a woman.”

    The politics of dependence

    INEC’s reliance on federal budget allocations often leads to late procurements and strained logistics. Ghana’s EC enjoys multi-year budgeting; South Africa’s IEC has statutory financial independence. Nigeria’s INEC, meanwhile, must lobby the same politicians it regulates.

    “That’s a structural contradiction,” says Odinkalu. “The referee shouldn’t beg the players for his whistle.”

    INEC’s finances must be free from political control. Without that, even the most honest commissioner will be constrained.

    Legal clarity and decisiveness

    The Electoral Act 2022 improved Nigeria’s framework but left ambiguities, especially on the legal weight of electronic results transmission. Court rulings after 2023 deepened confusion. “The next INEC boss must be a legal tactician,” says Femi Falana, SAN. “They must understand the law, anticipate loopholes, and apply it uniformly.”

    Yakubu’s INEC often hesitated in legally contentious moments, from party primaries to disqualifications. Nigerians now expect sharper decisiveness.

    Turning voters into stakeholders

    Voter turnout in 2023 was just 29 per cent, the lowest since 1999. Disillusionment, fear, and logistical failures all contributed. “People must feel their votes matter,” says Itodo. “Otherwise, democracy becomes theatre.”

    The next INEC chairman can learn from Ghana and South Africa, where voter education continues between elections. Partnerships with civil society, schools, and influencers could help rebuild faith in the process.

    “Trust is a process,” says Aisha Abdullahi in Kano. “It grows when people see results match reality.”

    The burden of trust

    Today, Nigerians discuss not just who wins, but how elections are won. The emotional wounds from 2023 run deep because technology and trust failed simultaneously.

    In Lagos markets, voters like Chinedu Okorie recall the anxiety of that February night when results stopped loading. “I voted. I waited. Then silence.”

    For him, and millions like him, 2027 must be different. “If Nigerians can see their polling unit results online, and they match what they saw at the booth, whoever wins, Nigerians will be happy,” says Aigbe.

    A legacy to build upon

    Yakubu’s record is not one of failure, but of unfinished business. He expanded access with over 50,000 new polling units, stabilised the election calendar, and introduced transformative technologies. Yet he leaves behind a trust deficit that innovation alone cannot fix.

    His tenure proved that Nigeria’s problem isn’t just technology—it’s mistrust. And trust cannot be programmed; it must be earned.

    The next chairman will enter an office where every decision will be contested, every delay magnified, every error politicised. Yet the opportunity is enormous. A credible 2027 election could reset Nigeria’s democratic trajectory for a generation.

    “He must guide INEC with technical excellence, robust governance, and proactive stakeholder engagement,” says Yiaga Africa’s Paul James. “And remain resilient in crises, committed to long-term reform consistent with Nigeria’s laws and constitution.”

    If he—or she—succeeds, Nigeria’s democracy will not just survive; it will mature. If not, disillusionment may deepen beyond repair.

    Epilogue: Will my vote count?

    In the end, the measure of the new INEC chairman will not lie in the number of devices deployed or reforms announced. It will lie in a simpler question—one every Nigerian carries silently to the booth:

    Will my vote count this time?

    Amupitan should be able to turn scepticism into belief, and elections into trust.

  • ‘Appoint non-partisan person as INEC chairman’

    ‘Appoint non-partisan person as INEC chairman’

    *Seeks consultation on next INEC chair

    The Generation Z Movement – a youth-led coalition has said that whoever emerged chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would shape public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu will end in November 2025.

    Before the appointment of Yakubu’s successor, the coalition called for a townhall meeting with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the appointment of the next chairman of INEC.

    The group, driven by members of Generation Z, insisted that the process of appointing the INEC chairman, national commissioners, and resident electoral commissioners must no longer follow the usual political path.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the National Coordinator of the group, Joseph Agama, said the movement emerged from widespread youth distrust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

    He said: “Many young people are disengaged because they don’t trust the process. And they don’t trust the process because they don’t trust the people leading INEC.”

    He argued that restoring the credibility of INEC begins with leadership that is independent of partisan influence.

    According to him, the current framework — which allows the president to appoint the commission’s leadership — risks politicising the electoral body.

    “If those appointments are made by someone with political interests, the system becomes easy to manipulate.

    “We want a process that involves traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the Nigerian public,” he added.

    Agama said the Gen Z movement is mobilising young Nigerians nationwide to demand an INEC leadership that inspires confidence and guarantees free, fair, and credible elections.

    Another member of the group, Virtue Utuk urged President Tinubu to “lead differently” by embracing a new model of inclusive governance.

    She said: “We demand a multi-stakeholder approach — one that includes civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and the people themselves.

    “Our constitution gives the president the power of appointment, but democracy demands a spirit of inclusion.

    “Mr President, we are the present and the future of Nigeria’s democracy. We want to trust the ballot. We want a system worthy of our faith. Credible elections are the lifeblood of democracy.

    “History will judge the choices made today. Give us reason to trust, and this generation will transform apathy into action.”

  • Challenges before next INEC chairman

    Challenges before next INEC chairman

    • ‘Nine National Commissioners to quit before 2027’

    As the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, bows out, the nation expects another man or woman of impecable character to succeed him.

    No fewer than nine National Commissioners are also expected to leave before the 2027 general election.

    The implication, said Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, is that the polls may be conducted by a new electoral team, if four of them who are eligible for re-appointment, are not retained.

    Itodo, who spoke of Channels Television, hailed Yakubu, describing him as an umpire of reforms. He acknowledged the innovations due to automation, particularly the BIVAS and IREV, which his successor should build upon. 

    Itodo noted efforts by Yakubu to prevent electoral irregularities through inbuilt security devices into the electoral process which are not known to the public. 

    He noted that he also did not condone nonsense among other electoral officers, some of whom are currently being prosecuted in the court for aiding and abetting malpractices.

    But, Itodo said the outgoing chairman is leaving behind a weak electoral agency, clarifying that this is not due to his management style.

    In his view, INEC chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners are still being appointed by the president, adding that allegations of appointing partisan people are still rife. Although the president is constitutionally mandated to consult the Council of State on the appointment of the chairman, he may not be bound by their intervention which is merely advisory.

    Besides, Itodo alleged under-funding of the commission. He said the funds for 2023 polls were not released completely. That may be the reason for the delayed conduct of by-elections, he added.

    When he handed over the baton to Acting Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu on Tuesday, the outgoing chairman spoke on the task before the electoral agency ahead of future polls. 

    He said: “Today’s meeting is holding in the middle of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) which started seven weeks ago. Since then, the Commission has been publishing weekly figures of the exercise with detailed breakdown by States of the Federation, gender, age, occupation and disability. 

    “The latest figures published yesterday show that 6,856,979 Nigerians commenced their registration online (the pre-registration option) while 1,216,048 completed the process (the physical or in-person option). The exercise will continue until August 2026 when it will be suspended not later than 90 days before the date fixed for the general election, as provided by law.

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    “There are a number of forthcoming elections. The preparations for some of them are either at advanced or concluding stages. The Anambra State governorship election is holding next month, followed by Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in February 2026, the Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun State governorship election in August 2026.”

    INEC will be involved in the primaries in Ekiti and Osun as observer. The shadow polls are already gathering momentum.

    The 2027 electioneering started almost immediately after the 2023 polls. INEC has no means of preventing early campaigns by politicians who transform ordinary party meetings into endorsement rallies and mobilisation platforms. 

    Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 clearly prohibits the commencement of campaigns earlier than 150 days before the poll day, and requires all campaign activities to end 24 hours before voting begins.

    However, Yakubu lamented that political actors often disregard this provision, adding:“Political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood even when the Electoral Commission is yet to release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for elections.”

    He stressed: “Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates,” the INEC Chairman noted.

    The chairman warned that these premature activities compromise INEC ‘sability to enforce campaign finance limits.

    He said: “These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns.”

    Yakubu said the electoral system has to be continuouly strengthened by legislations. If the reforms are backed by law, he believes that the INEC would be further fortified to deliver good elections.

    Yakubu stressed: “In addition to these off-cycle elections, we have already commenced preparations for some of the major activities for the 2027 general glection, while awaiting the enactment of a new Electoral Act. The Bill is currently before the National Assembly. 

    “It is expected that electoral reforms contained in the new Act will necessitate further review of our Regulations and Guidelines as well as the Manuals for Elections. Beyond these reviews, the Commission needs to further clean-up the voters’ register, review the locations of some of the polling units and the allotment of voters to them.”

    On shadow polls, Yakubu said: “The management of party primaries is another major area of activity. You may recall that for the last general election in 2023, the Commission processed the nomination of 20,000 candidates.” 

    INEC has to monitor party congresses and observe how the intra-party nominations are conducted, although the Supreme Court has ruled that internal democracy is a party affair.

    Electoral logistics are key. Yakubu said: “Election logistics involving the procurement, production and transportation of huge quantities of materials by road, air and sea are a monumental undertaking. So also is the recruitment and training of election officials, voter education and engagement with stakeholders.”

    On security, the chairman said: “The prevailing insecurity and natural emergencies such as floods in some parts of the country have dislocated many citizens who must be given the opportunity to exercise their franchise. 

    “Doing so may require a review of our existing framework for voting by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).”

    There is a pattern of voter apathy. It manifested in the off-cycle polls, particularly the by-elections. This is attributed to voter fatigue. It is also the duty of political parties to educate, sentisise and mobilise the voters for elections. 

    Vote buying and other forms of malpractices still persist. Yakubu had called for the setting up of an electoral offenders tribunal or court for the trial of people with unruly behaviour during elections. It is an unfinished battle that Yakubu’s successor would inherit.

  • Call for party-nominated INEC officials misguided

    Call for party-nominated INEC officials misguided

    Sir: Former Interior Minister and National Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, recently stirred controversy when he suggested that political parties be allowed to nominate officials into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking at a panel session on electoral innovation hosted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in Abuja, Aregbesola argued that the current method of appointing the INEC Chairperson, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) is “deeply flawed.”

    According to him, parties with at least five members in the National Assembly should be empowered to nominate individuals to lead INEC, claiming that such a model would “solve all the issues” of bias and manipulation in Nigeria’s electoral system. In his words: “If the parties now betray themselves to allow one of them to run away with it, fine.”

    There is no credible democracy in the world where political parties directly nominate election officials. The logic is simple: an election management body must be insulated from partisan influence to maintain neutrality, fairness, and credibility. Allowing political parties — the very contestants in elections — to nominate INEC officials would be akin to letting football teams select the referees to officiate their matches. It violates the principle of impartiality that underpins democratic elections.

    If anything, Aregbesola’s statement reflects the frustration many Nigerians feel about INEC’s recent credibility challenges, particularly after the 2023 general elections. However, the answer lies not in politicizing the commission further but in strengthening its institutional independence.

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    What Nigeria needs is not partisan control of INEC, but transparent and accountable appointment processes. Civil society organisations, professional bodies, and judicial councils should play greater roles in screening and recommending nominees, while the National Assembly’s confirmation hearings must be made more open and rigorous. The president should no longer have unilateral power to appoint the INEC chair and commissioners without meaningful checks.

    Furthermore, INEC’s funding and administrative autonomy must be constitutionally guaranteed and practically enforced. An electoral body that depends on political goodwill to function can never be fully independent.

    Nigeria must not trade independence for convenience. The credibility of elections rests on the impartiality of those who conduct them — and that impartiality must never be up for negotiation.

    The path forward is clear: reform INEC, yes, but do so through constitutional safeguards, institutional transparency, and public accountability — not through political capture disguised as innovation.

    Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if the lines between player and referee are blurred. Aregbesola’s proposal may ignite debate, but it should be firmly rejected as both impractical and dangerous to the survival of electoral integrity.

    • Olalekan Adigun,Abuja.

  • INEC, Ethiopia’s electoral body to work on strengthening democratic institutions

    INEC, Ethiopia’s electoral body to work on strengthening democratic institutions

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) are collaborating to promote credible elections and strengthen democratic institutions across Africa.

    As part of the collaboration, NEBE, alongside the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE), led by NEBE’s Deputy Chairman Tesfaye Neway, was at the INEC office in Abuja on a working visit.

    Receiving the delegation, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, underscored the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in improving electoral governance across the continent.

    He said: “INEC and NEBE share similar constitutional responsibilities. Over the next week, we will share various aspects of the Nigerian experience in conducting elections, including innovations in technology, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement.

    “This visit is happening at a time voter registration is ongoing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the February 2026 FCT Area Council Elections, giving our guests the chance to observe real-time voter registration.”

    Yakubu expressed appreciation to the German Agency for International Development in Ethiopia for facilitating the visit.

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    The INEC chairman assured the delegation of a meaningful and interactive engagement.

    On behalf of the delegation, Neway highlighted the significance of the visit in fostering mutual learning and strengthening electoral institutions across Africa.

    “Our presence here is part of an experience and exposure visit aimed at building strategic partnerships between our institutions. We believe democracy grows stronger when institutions learn from one another

    “We hope to learn from Nigeria’s innovations in voter registration, electoral technology, civic education, and stakeholder engagement while also sharing the challenges we face, such as electoral violence and misinformation,” he said.

    CECOE’s Executive Director, Abera Hailemariam, said there was a need for continued collaboration between the civil society and electoral bodies, particularly in strengthening voter education efforts.

    “We value this partnership and look forward to deeper cooperation between NEBE and INEC, with support from development partners. We are especially interested in how Nigeria conducts voter education in diverse languages,” Hailemariam said.

  • As Mahmood Yakubu bows out of INEC

    As Mahmood Yakubu bows out of INEC

    By Nkasiobi Francis

    After 10 unbroken years as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s tour of duty comes to an end next month. But as his last days in the national assignment gradually draw close, his tenure for a record 10 years remains unprecedented in the nation’s democratic history.

    A one-time lecturer and professor of Political History and International Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as well as former executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Yakubu was first appointed head of the electoral umpire by late President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2015.

    He assumed office on November 9, the same year, and after the first five years, his appointment was renewed in 2020 for another five-year term. His reappointment came a year after the highly disputed 2019 presidential election.

    For the records, INEC was established in 1998 to oversee elections in Nigeria. The commission, as presently configured, was preceded by different electoral bodies at various times, such as the Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in 1958 and the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) in 1960, which organised elections in the formative years of Nigeria’s independence.

    Under the military, different commissions managed elections, but were dissolved after change of governments.

    In 1995, the late Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime created the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), but it was later replaced by INEC in 1998 under the then head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

    The outgoing INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who incidentally became the fifth INEC chairman since 1998 has not only become the longest serving head of the electoral umpire, he has the distinction of presiding over two general elections (2019 and 2023).

    He also superintended over multiple off-cycle elections for governorship, state and National Assembly polls, among others.

    In executing these assignments in the past 10 years, many have questioned the competence and neutrality of the electoral umpire and its leadership. This is especially so among politicians when things don’t go their own way.

    In 2019, the outcome of the presidential election was highly contentious and the final winner, the late President Buhari’s mandate had to be validated by the apex court.

    The 2023 polls, particularly the outcome of the presidential election drew even greater umbrage from a large segment of the populace. In the eyes of many, the infamous “technical glitch” appeared to have diminished the innovations and achievements of the Mahmood Yakubu leadership of INEC.

    However, under Yakubu, many have also applauded the technologies introduced by the electoral commission that greatly improved the credibility and outcome of several elections across the country.

    One of the most significant technological tools is the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    In 2020, the electoral umpire also introduced INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), an online platform designed to promote transparency in the electoral process during the Edo State governorship election.

    IReV allows for the easy dissemination of polling unit results, making the electoral process more transparent and accountable to citizens. The portal also provides accessibility for the general public to access and view official election results in real-time. The IReV provides an easy way for citizens to verify the results, increasing the credibility and preventing electoral malpractices in the electoral process.

    Under Yakubu, there has been an increased participation of the civil society in real electoral process.

    As part of efforts to promote electoral integrity, civil society organisations like Yiaga Africa have been involved in deploying statistics and information technology as part of its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) election observation interventions. The PVT deploys citizen observers to sampled polling units while providing accurate and timely information on the process through the feedback received via coded text messages and analysed via a technological database. Thus, the PVT can also verify the accuracy of election results that will be released by the electoral commission. This methodology has been used in multiple elections in Nigeria, including the 2019 presidential and other off-circle elections.

    There are claims in some quarters that Nigerians have lost confidence in INEC. Such assertions may be unsupported by empirical facts.

    In recent times, INEC has faced criticisms from various civil society and religious organisations, which raised concerns over what they perceived as growing public disillusionment with the electoral process.

    Responding to these criticisms recently, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi argued that the evidence points in a different direction—highlighting robust public engagement in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

    “The notion that Nigerians have lost confidence in the electoral process is more of a myth than a reality, as those who proclaim it lack convincing evidence to support it,” Oyekanmi said.

    He hinged his argument on what he described as the high level of participation, particularly among young Nigerians, in the current voter registration drive as a strong indicator of public trust.

    “On the contrary, the high level of participation by Nigerians, especially the youths, in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, which began on August 18 this year with online pre-registration, shows that citizens still have confidence in the process,” he added.

    Despite its pitfalls, Oyekanmi said the 2023 polls marked a major improvement in the country’s electoral system, particularly in terms of diversity.

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    “The 2023 general election, more than any other election, demonstrates this fact. The election produced the most diverse National Assembly since the restoration of democracy in 1999,” he said.

    He buttressed this further with statistics, adding that in the Senate, seven political parties secured seats: All Progressives Congress-59, Peoples Democratic Party-36, Labour Party-eight, New Nigeria People’s Party -two, Social Democratic Party-two, All Progressives Grand Alliance-one, and Young Progressives Party-one. In the House of Representatives, eight parties won seats: APC-177, PDP-117, LP-35, NNPP-19, APGA-five, African Democratic Congress-two, SDP-two, and YPP-two.

    That pattern, he noted, continued at the state level, with nine parties winning seats in state assemblies. These included APC-533, PDP-355, LP-38, NNPP-29, APGA-20, YPP-eight, SDP-seven, A-one, and ADC-one. In the gubernatorial elections, APC won 16 states, PDP-10, LP-1, and NNPP-1.

    The recent bye-elections were proof that “Nigerians have kept faith with the electoral process,” he stated.

    What Oyekanmi did not lose sight of was what he described as a contradiction in the behaviour of some INEC critics.

    “Ironically, some of the most ardent critics of INEC are also in the forefront of calling for electoral reform to transfer Local Government elections to the same commission. Surely, they cannot continue to walk on both sides of the road,” he said.

    There has never been perfection in any human enterprise, including INEC.

    There are certainly grey areas in the electoral ecosystem and elections management that need to be improved upon, but INEC under Yakubu has recorded remarkable successes in the last 10 years.

    Many have suddenly forgotten that it was under him that an INEC returning officer, Prof. Peter Ogban was convicted by a High Court in Akwa Ibom State last year.

    Over the years, the job of an INEC chairman has become (as we say in this part of the world) a thankless job. Yakubu is not an exception. He has laid the building blocks for greater credibility in the electoral umpire.

    •Nkasiobi, a political analyst wrote from Abuja.

  • INEC yet to demonstrate commitment to electoral reforms, says Atiku

    INEC yet to demonstrate commitment to electoral reforms, says Atiku

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to improving Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said.

    The presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election made the remark on Thursday during a meeting with a European Union (EU) delegation led by a member of the European parliament and head of the 2023 EU election observation mission to Nigeria, Barry Andrews.

    His words: “It is worrisome that two years down the line, we are yet to see indications that INEC is committed to an improved electoral process,” Atiku said in a statement via X on Friday.

    “Expectations are high that the Independent National Electoral Commission will urgently work with the National Assembly to give citizens election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts.”

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    Empahasising that Nigerians are eager for reforms that will ensure free, fair, and transparent polls, Atiku noted  that only credible elections can safeguard democracy and produce leaders capable of uniting the country and driving economic growth.

    Atiku assured that “we shall continue to support efforts by CSOs, local and foreign Election Observations Missions (EOMs), including the EU-EOM, that will lead to genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General elections.

    “We believe that only through credible elections shall we safeguard our democracy and recruit leaders that will ensure unity and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he added.

  • NFP faults INEC decision not to register as party

    NFP faults INEC decision not to register as party

    The National Freedom Party (NEP) has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting its application for registration as a political party, citing similarities between its logo, a zebra, and the horse logo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). 

    The party told reporters at its national Secretariat in Abuja where they raised concerns about the procedural mechanism used by INEC to reject their application.

    According to Engr. Donnie Oluwafemi Akingbade, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Freedom Party, the party applied for registration in July 2023 and received an acknowledgment from INEC. 

    However, after more than two years without communication from INEC, the party was informed that their application had been rejected due to the alleged similarity between their logo and that of the SDP.

    Akingbade pointed out that the party had complied with all the necessary requirements for registration as stipulated in the Electoral Act. He cited specific sections of the Act to show that the party had met all the conditions for registration and should have been granted approval by INEC.

    The party’s Protem National Chairman, Dr. Anthony Harmattan, called on President Tinubu and the international community to intervene and ensure that the party is registered in accordance with the law. He warned that any further delay in the registration process could jeopardize the upcoming 2027 elections.

    The National Freedom Party emphasised that their goal is to promote freedom and dignity for all Nigerians and work with the government to improve the lives of the people. 

    They urged INEC to reconsider their decision and register the party without further delay.