Election Outcome Rules Under Review, Supplementary Framework Coming – INEC Chair

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to introduce supplementary regulations aimed at clarifying the process for reviewing election declarations and results, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure on Tuesday during a regular consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. He noted that the move is in response to varying interpretations of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers the commission to review declarations and returns made under questionable circumstances.

“As we prepare for upcoming bye-elections, off-cycle governorship elections, and ultimately the 2027 general election, the commission is concerned about the differing interpretations of the Electoral Act’s provisions on result review,” Yakubu stated.

He said the commission is currently working on a supplementary document to the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections. The goal, he explained, is to enhance transparency and standardize procedures regarding election result declarations and any subsequent reviews.

“This is part of our responsibility, as the law empowers the commission to issue regulations, guidelines, and manuals to give full effect to the provisions of the Electoral Act,” Yakubu said. “Once finalized—possibly as early as this week—these supplementary guidelines will be published on our website and other official platforms for public access.”

The INEC chairman also tasked Resident Electoral Commissioners with several responsibilities aimed at improving electoral processes in their respective states. He urged them to begin planning for voter access improvements, including decongesting overcrowded polling units and cleaning up the voter register.

He also called on them to deepen engagement with stakeholders at both state and local government levels and to focus on effective logistics and security management for upcoming elections.

“You are full-time commissioners,” Yakubu reminded the RECs. “Your work does not begin only when a general election approaches. Many procedural and policy decisions have already been taken at the commission level and must be implemented without waiting for further directives from Abuja.”

He emphasized the need for continuous staff training and capacity building, noting that it does not require elaborate conferences to ensure electoral officers are familiar with new policies and innovations introduced by the commission.

“Some of you are already taking the initiative, but more effort is needed. We must stay ahead in improving electoral service delivery to Nigerians,” he concluded.