Election Overhaul: INEC’s Bold Promise For Free And Fair Voting In Key States!

Election Overhaul: INEC’s Bold Promise For Free And Fair Voting In Key States!The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that all upcoming elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, and other states before the 2027 general elections will be free and credible. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, highlighted that the commission has introduced 142 reforms to ensure transparency in Nigeria’s electoral processes.

Yakubu urged Nigerians to be patient with the commission, noting that continuous innovations and reforms are being made to improve the electoral process. He made these remarks on Monday during a two-day retreat for 10 Resident Electoral Officers.

The INEC Chairman announced that the commission will conduct more than seven elections before the 2027 general elections. Regarding the 142 recommendations, Yakubu explained that some items will require legislation from the National Assembly, while others will be implemented by security agencies.

He assured that the recommendations under INEC’s purview would be enacted ahead of the next off-cycle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, and other states. “In addition, the outcomes of retreats and stakeholder engagements are currently being published. The commission has made 142 recommendations to improve the electoral process in Nigeria,” said Yakubu.

He emphasized that while many reforms will be implemented administratively by INEC, some will need to be carried out by security agencies and political parties. Yakubu added that Nigerians should be patient, as the full report on these reforms will be shared with the public once it is ready.

Regarding the Edo election scheduled for Saturday, 21 September, INEC reported the loss of 4,000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines due to flooding. Yakubu disclosed that 3,500 of these machines have been replaced, and the remaining 500 will be sourced from other states.

Yakubu also mentioned that the upcoming elections in Osun, Ekiti, Anambra, and the FCT council in 2026 will reflect the innovations introduced since the last general elections. “As we think, reflect, and innovate for credible elections, we are also instantly implementing reforms and innovations through administrative action. Since elections are governed by law, we plan to intensify our engagement with the National Assembly for necessary legal reforms,” he concluded.