INEC recommends 142 ways to improve elections in Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has compiled 142 recommendations to improve future electoral processes in the country.

INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at the opening of a two-day induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Monday in Lagos.

Yakubu noted that the commission had published the report of the review of the 2023 elections, adding that it was already available on its website.

“But in addition, there is also the outcome of the retreats and engagements with stakeholders, which is right now being published,” Yakubu said.

“I can tell you that the commission has made 142 recommendations on the improvement of electoral process in Nigeria.

“As soon as the report is ready, we will go public and engage with Nigerians on these reforms.

“The reforms are categorized, the majority are for implementation by administrative action by INEC, but some are to be implemented by security agencies.

“We have those that require amendment to the electoral legal frameworks by the National Assembly. Some are to be implemented by political parties and other stakeholders.

“Nigerians should be patient; as soon as we conclude the process very soon, we will share this report with Nigerians,” he added.

The INEC chairman noted that in Nigeria, there is no election session any longer as the commission conducts elections round by round.

Yakubu noted that since the inauguration of the National and State Assembly in 2023, INEC had conducted nine by-elections and still had to conduct five by-elections before the 2027 general elections.

Stating that the FCT Area Council elections would also be due in 2026, Yakubu said that there was no respite for the commission again.

“As we innovate, we reflect, we review, and we also implement,” he said.