INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urges lawmakers and stakeholders to prioritize electoral law reforms at a Lagos retreat, emphasizing the need for timely legislative updates

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, convened a crucial retreat in Lagos, bringing together lawmakers and electoral stakeholders to address the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s electoral laws.

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Held at the Marriott Hotel, the event saw the participation of members from the National Assembly committees on electoral matters, INEC officials, and various partners, all focused on refining the nation’s electoral processes.

In his opening address, Prof. Yakubu emphasized the importance of collaboration between INEC and the National Assembly, drawing parallels with a successful retreat five years prior that led to the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022.

He highlighted the retreat as a vital platform for open dialogue and practical solutions to enhance the integrity and efficiency of future elections.

Prof. Yakubu cited the amendment to the Electoral Act, which addressed election postponements due to logistical challenges, as a significant achievement from the previous retreat.

The partnership between INEC and the National Assembly is vital in shaping effective electoral reforms,” said Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman.

He explained that INEC had advocated for a longer period between party primaries and elections, resulting in the 180-day provision, which proved crucial in ensuring the 2023 General Election proceeded without logistical delays.

He also noted the successful domestic printing of all election materials for the 2023 election, a first since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, which garnered praise from the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria and boosted confidence in the electoral process.

Prof. Yakubu urged lawmakers to consider further reforms to strengthen the electoral framework, offering INEC’s practical field experiences to inform timely legislative updates.

He acknowledged the crucial support from development partners and appealed to the National Assembly to expedite the review and finalization of the electoral legal framework.

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He concluded with a call for divine guidance and expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts would lead to a more transparent and robust electoral system in Nigeria.