The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked lawmakers to accelerate legal reforms that will strengthen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process, as it intensifies efforts to modernise election management and boost public confidence in the democratic system.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, called for “deeper legislative support” as the Commission opens a two-day retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, where lawmakers, electoral experts, and development partners are examining future innovations in election administration.
“This retreat provides a unique opportunity to enhance our electoral process through legislative review and shared field experiences,” Yakubu says at the opening session in Abuja.
INEC stresses the importance of constant legal updates to meet the pace of technological and operational changes shaping elections in Nigeria and across the globe. The Commission warns that without a robust legal foundation, technological advances like electronic voting may not deliver their full benefits.
“For the first time since 2010, the 2023 general election was conducted as scheduled without postponement,” Yakubu says, citing the success as a product of both legal reforms and strategic tech-driven planning.
INEC: Learning from the past, planning for the future
Yakubu draws attention to lessons from a similar 2020 retreat, which informed the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2022—a landmark legal overhaul that, for the first time, codified several electoral technologies and best practices into law.
According to him, one of the most impactful changes was the extension of the time between party primaries and general elections from 60 to 180 days. This change helped INEC resolve longstanding logistical challenges.
“For the first time since 2010, the 2023 general election was conducted as scheduled without postponement,” Yakubu says, citing the success as a product of both legal reforms and strategic tech-driven planning.
Going local, going digital
INEC also highlights its breakthrough in localising election material production. All sensitive election materials for the 2023 polls were printed within Nigeria—an achievement not recorded since the return to civil rule in 1999.
“This localisation not only secured materials against foreign interference but also integrated modern security features to protect the integrity of the vote,” Yakubu explains.
The initiative is receiving commendation from industry stakeholders, including the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria, for promoting both national security and local content development.
Strengthening e-voting through law
Looking ahead, INEC is advocating for stronger statutory backing for innovations such as electronic voting, biometric voter verification, and real-time results transmission.
“Technological Integration: Strengthening legal backing for INEC’s innovations, such as electronic voting systems,” Yakubu adds.
He also points to the need for reforms that will clarify ambiguities in current electoral laws, reduce post-election litigation, and adopt recommendations from previous electoral reform panels, including those led by Justice Mohammed Uwais (2009), Sheikh Ahmed Lemu (2011), and Senator Ken Nnamani (2017).
Building trust through engagement
Yakubu underscores the importance of retreats like this in helping lawmakers understand the practical challenges of election management. “They provide far richer insights than standard public hearings,” he notes.
He also acknowledges the critical role of development partners whose technical and financial support, he says, has helped INEC strengthen its capacity for delivering credible and transparent elections.
Charting the course for electoral innovation
As deliberations continue, INEC says it is preparing to present lawmakers with detailed field reports that will inform the next round of constitutional and legal amendments.
At the heart of the Commission’s proposals is a vision to future-proof Nigeria’s electoral system—through a blend of forward-thinking legislation, local innovation, and global best practices, according to the INEC chief.
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