Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has disclosed that the commission is finalizing supplementary regulations and guidelines to provide clarity on the review of election declarations and returns, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

 

Yakubu made this known on Tuesday during a consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held in Abuja.

 

According to him, the move is in response to varied interpretations of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which relates to the powers of INEC in reviewing results after declaration.

 

“As we approach the bye-elections, off-cycle governorship elections, and ultimately the 2027 general election, the commission is concerned with the various interpretations given to the provision of Section 65…,” Yakubu said.

 

 

 

He emphasized that the supplementary regulations are in line with INEC’s constitutional mandate to issue regulations, guidelines, and manuals that give effect to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

 

“As soon as the commission takes a decision, perhaps as early as this week, the supplementary regulations and guidelines will be uploaded to our website and other platforms for public information,” he added.

 

 

 

INEC Eyes Improved Polling Unit Access and Logistics

 

Yakubu also charged the RECs to intensify efforts to decongest overcrowded polling units and enhance voter access across the country. He emphasized the importance of:

 

Cleaning the voter register

 

Strengthening engagement with stakeholders

 

Managing logistics and election security

 

Building staff capacity to implement electoral innovations

 

 

“You are full-time commissioners. Your work does not begin as the general election approaches… You do not need an elaborate workshop to build staff capacity,” he said.

 

 

 

He encouraged the RECs to take initiative and act on procedural and policy issues without waiting for prompts from INEC headquarters.

 

Yakubu’s remarks come amid preparations for upcoming bye-elections and off-cycle governorship elections, as INEC seeks to enhance credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of 2027.