The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday dismissed rumours that he had been removed from office, affirming that he remains in charge of the electoral body.
Yakubu also disclosed that amendments to the Electoral Act would be made before the 2027 general elections.
He made these remarks while addressing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of two newly appointed INEC National Commissioners by President Bola Tinubu.
Yakubu noted that INEC and other stakeholders had reviewed the 2023 general elections and made 142 recommendations, eight of which require constitutional or Electoral Act amendments.
Speaking on electoral reforms, he said INEC recently met with the electoral reform committees of the National Assembly in Lagos.
He stated, “We are here today, essentially, for the swearing-in of two national commissioners. As you are aware, the commission comprises a chairman and 12 national commissioners drawn on the basis of two per geopolitical zone. There were vacancies in the North West and South East, and the Senate screened and confirmed the nominees. Today, Mr. President performed the swearing-in.
“So, we now have almost the full complement of national commissioners. As you may recall, about two weeks ago, we lost one of our commissioners, Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd). May his soul rest in peace. With this swearing-in, we are nearly at full capacity again.”
Yakubu further explained that the National Assembly would organise a public hearing on the proposed reforms, after which a new bill would be submitted to the President for assent.
“We’re working closely with the National Assembly on electoral reform, but at this stage, I will not go into further detail. The National Assembly will provide updates in due course.
“Following our review of the 2023 general elections and consultations with stakeholders, we identified 142 recommendations. Of these, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendments. We’ve shared these with the National Assembly.
“So far, we’re pleased with our engagement with lawmakers and encouraged by the urgency they’re showing to ensure the necessary amendments are enacted ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Addressing the rumours of his removal, Yakubu said: “There’s no need to waste time on unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and to the best of my knowledge, I remain the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and by the Constitution, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation. Under the Electoral Act, I am also the returning officer for the presidential election.”
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