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Tag: Mahmood Yakubu

  • INEC seeks alternative for by-elections

    INEC seeks alternative for by-elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for the amendment of the law for a more cost-effective alternative methods of filling vacancies at the national and state assemblies.

    The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the call during the commission’s consultative meeting with political parties on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He urged stakeholders to prevail on the national assembly to amend the law for a more cost-effective alternative means as it was  being practiced in many jurisdictions around the world.

    Yakubu said that INEC had been appealing to stakeholders, including political parties, to join the advocacy and for the national assembly to amend the law accordingly.

    He said that over the last one and a half years since the inauguration of the current national and state assemblies in June 2023, vacancies had occurred in 23 constituencies.

    According to him,  this is as a result of death of serving members or voluntary resignation for executive positions at federal, state,  local governments.

    He said some also resigned due to their appointment as ministers, commissioners, chairman of a local government or as a  board member or chairman.

    “While the commission has conducted nine by-elections early last year, 14 more vacancies have occurred since then.

    “They are unpredictable, unbudgeted for and difficult to plan in advance. Worse still, some by-elections lead to another.

    “There are situations where a by-election in one senatorial district was won by a serving member of the house of representatives from the same district, thereby creating another vacancy.

    “In turn, a member of the state assembly won the by-election to the house of representatives and this led to  another vacancy in the state assembly.

    “Consequently, one by-election led to three by-elections. Not only are these by-elections costly, they also divert the commission’s attention from its other extensive electoral responsibilities,’’ he said.

  • INEC reacts to Mahmood Yakubu’s reported death

    INEC reacts to Mahmood Yakubu’s reported death

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted reports that its chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, died in London.

    According to Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the electoral body chairman has not traveled to London in the last two years.

    Oyekanmi said contrary to the report, Mahmood Yakubu is hale and hearty.

    It read: “Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024.

    “We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty. In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years. He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024.

    “He also chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024. Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday 13th December 2024.

    “The public may recall that mischief-makers on the social media carried a similar fake story in 2021. Three years later, they are spreading the same rumour again.

    “Those who indulge in this practice, as well as those who spread it, should be mindful of its effect not only on the individual but also the wider society.”

    INEC said it would continue to cooperate with the media to fight fake news and misinformation.

  • INEC to introduce new means of voting during elections

    INEC to introduce new means of voting during elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to review the use of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, at the commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and unveiling of the hardcopies Election Report, and the Review Report on 2023 general election.

    Yakubu said that the intention for the review followed some of the recommendations contained in the review reports.

    He said that the commission believed that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of the PVC, as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed.

    “Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the commission’s website, will suffice for voter accreditation.

    “This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters, in order to disenfranchise them,” he said.

    Yakubu said that having released its 524-page main report on the election, INEC had wide internal consultation with its officials and externally, with all major stakeholders.

    He said that from the internal and external engagements, INEC identified 142 recommendations dealing with various aspects of election, out of which 86 required administrative action by INEC.

    “This is followed by 48 recommendations that require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies; mobile network operators; statutory bodies; political parties; transport unions; civil society organisations and the media.

    “On the legal review, there are eight recommendations that require legislative action by the National Assembly. Very soon, the commission will make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform.

    “Among the major highlights of the commission’s recommendations is the imperative of legal clarity in result management, with regard to manual transfer versus the electronic transmission of results,” INEC chairman said.

    Yakubu also disclosed that the review report also contained recommendations on early/special voting for the millions of Nigerians who do not vote at the moment, on account of the roles they play during elections.

    According to him, the categories of the people include INEC officials, security personnel, adhoc staff, observers and journalists, who are deployed outside the places where they registered to vote.

    He said that there were also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of the commission with the establishment of electoral offences tribunal, and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties.

    “Similarly, the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to Polling Units.

    “As a matter of urgency, the commission also intends to develop protocols for the cleaning up of the voters’ register, in collaboration with other agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC).

    “Other areas of reform include advocacy for affirmative action for greater participation of under-represented groups, a more robust voter education and public communication to combat fake news and misinformation.

    “Furthermore, the commission intends to review the mechanisms for a more effective implementation of agreements on logistics with the transport unions and other service providers.

    “This will be done by consolidating on the recent experience with early deployment and commencement of elections in the recent Ondo State Governorship election,” Yakubu said.

    He said that with the conclusion of five major off-cycle governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 General Election, INEC believed it was time to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from the review of the general election.

    Yakubu said that the softcopy of the report would be uploaded on INEC’s website in earnest.

  • INEC Chairman opens up on 2 challenges of conducting election in Nigeria

    INEC Chairman opens up on 2 challenges of conducting election in Nigeria

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu has promised improved logistics and result management during the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

    Yakubu stated this during an assessment tour of the INEC office in Ondo State on the preparation for the governorship election, on Monday in Akure.

    “The commission has received positive reports from our state office in Akure but we decided to come for a readiness assessment. We have learnt a lot of lessons, not only from the last election but also, from previous elections.

    “Basically, there are two challenges; the first one is logistics for election, so that polling units can open promptly on the election day. The second is result management, and my assurance to voters in Ondo State is that they are going to see fast improvement in these two processes,” he said.

    Yakubu said that he was in the state to meet with the stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, the media, security agencies and the commission’s staff members to assess their readiness.

    “One of the activities we are also going to observe is the mock accreditation of voters which will take place in 16 polling units across six local government areas in the three senatorial zones of the state.

    “We are also going to meet with the stakeholders on Thursday, and the following day, the National Peace Committee will invite all the stakeholders to sign the National Peace Accord,” Yakubu said.

    The INEC chairman, who inaugurated the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) storage facility, said it would replace the containers used for storage of the smart card readers burnt in 2020.

  • INEC chair risks jail term over 2023 electoral offences

    INEC chair risks jail term over 2023 electoral offences

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a contempt lawsuit against Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “for failing to investigate the allegations of electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution.”

    Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja had on 18 July, 2024 ordered INEC “to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections.”

    Justice Egwuatu also ordered “INEC to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections.”

    However, INEC and Professor Yakubu have failed and/or refused to implement the judgment.

    The Federal High Court, Abuja in the notice of consequences of disobedience to order of court warned Professor Yakubu that he would be “guilty of contempt of Court and liable to be committed to prison” if he fails “to obey the judgment orders.”

    The notice, addressed to Professor Yakubu, read in part: “take notice that unless you obey the Orders contained in the Judgment of the 18th July 2024 made by Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit Number: FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023, a copy of which is hereto attached, you will be guilty of contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

    In a statement dated 27 October 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “It’s unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if INEC and its chair routinely ignore and/or fail to abide by court orders.”

    The statement, read in part: “Despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgment on INEC and Professor Yakubu, they have failed and/or refused to obey it.”

    “The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy. The latest allegations of electoral offences in Edo state show that INEC has learnt little or nothing from the well-documented problems during the 2023 general elections.”

    “Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo, INEC must turn the page on persistent electoral offences, end the impunity of perpetrators, and ensure citizens’ right to vote and political participation.”

    Justice Egwuatu’s judgment, reads in part: “The substance of SERAP’s grouse is the violence associated with elections in Nigeria which tends to prevent citizens from exercising their franchise during elections, thus preventing credible election and in the long run credible leaders.”

    “There is no gainsaying the fact that electoral violence and the associated crimes committed during elections in Nigeria is a great bane to the development of this Country both democratically and economically.”

    “Being citizens of this great country, SERAP and its members have the legal interest whose enjoyment or enforcement directly or substantially depends on the performance of public duty by INEC.”

    “In requesting the performance of the public duty imposed on the electoral body, SERAP has demonstrated a great zeal of patriotism.”

    “There is no doubt that the Electoral Act 2022 created some electoral offences. Sections 123, 124, 125, 126 127, 128 and 129 are some of the provisions of the Electoral Act that created some specific electoral offences.”

    “Trial of offences created by the Electoral Act are done in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of a State in which the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. See Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act.”

    “By section 145(2) of the same Act, prosecution for the offences shall be undertaken by legal officers of INEC or any legal practitioner appointed by INEC. Clearly therefore, the law imposes on INEC the performance of a public duty.”

    “Section 24(d) and (e) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] recognizes the rights of citizens to take steps towards advancing the community where he resides.”

    “The section provides that ‘it shall be the duty of every citizen to-(d) make positive and useful contribution to the advancement of progress and well-being of the community where he resides; (e) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order.”

    Justice Egwuatu granted the following orders of mandamus against INEC (the Judgment Debtor):

    1. AN ORDER OF MANDAMUS is hereby made directing and compelling INEC to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections.
    2. AN ORDER OF MANDAMUS is hereby made directing and compelling INEC to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution.
    3. AN ORDER OF MANDAMUS is hereby made directing and compelling INEC to swiftly, prosecute all arrested electoral offenders in the just concluded 2023 general election in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other law enforcement agencies.

    It would be recalled that SERAP had on 20 July 2024 requested Professor Yakubu to “use his good offices and leadership position to immediately enforce the judgment ordering INEC to pursue cases of electoral offences including bribery against state governors and their deputies during the chaotic 2023 general elections.”

    SERAP brought the contempt lawsuit against INEC and Professor Yakubu pursuant to section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act and Order IX, Rule 13 of the Judgment (Enforcement) Rules of Court.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the contempt suit.

  • INEC reveals challenges affecting operations

    INEC reveals challenges affecting operations

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the commission’s efforts at delivering credible elections in the country are being challenged by fake news and disinformation.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this at a two-day Interactive Workshop for broadcast media anchors on Friday in Lagos.

    The event with the theme “Contextualizing INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations Amid Fake News as Disinformation” brought together television and radio  anchors nationwide.

    Yakubu, who was represented by the INEC National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, said that fake news and disinformation undermine the work of the  electoral body.

    He said: “INEC is tasked with a fundamental responsibility: to conduct free, fair, credible, and transparent elections that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.

    “Our mission is not just to uphold the sanctity of the ballot box ,but also to continuously improve the electoral process to meet the dynamic needs and expectations of the public.

    “However, we are keenly aware that our efforts are increasingly challenged by the pervasive spread of fake news and disinformation, which distort facts, mislead the public, and can undermine electoral integrity.”

    According to him, the workshop is an effort to bridge the gap between INEC’s responsibilities and public expectations and to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to accurately and effectively report on electoral matters.

    Yakubu listed other  things affecting INEC’s  operations as  logistical hurdles, security concerns, violence, electoral malpractices ,among others.

    The INEC boss expressed the commission’s commitment to strengthening electoral processes through innovation, collaborations, and reforms.

    Speaking on the role of broadcast media  in  enhancing electoral integrity, Yakubu said that their reportage could shape public perception, influence voters’ behaviour, and even impact the outcome of elections.

    “The spread of false information poses a significant threat to our electoral process, often creating confusion, inciting unrest, or discrediting legitimate outcomes.

    “Fake news and disinformation are not merely nuisance; they are deliberate attempts to mislead the public, manipulate electoral outcomes, and erode trust in the institutions.

    “The media must go beyond mere information dissemination to serve as fact-checkers and educators. You are not just narrators of events but custodians of truth and fairness.

    “It is your duty to verify information before publication, cross-check facts from credible sources, especially during election periods when misinformation is rampant.

    “It is your duty to debunk misinformation promptly and to provide accurate counter-narratives to false claims to prevent them from gaining traction,” Yakubu said.

    Yakubu, who noted that INEC was committed to a closer working relationship with the media, said that the commission’s doors were open for engagements, clarifications, and collaborations.

    “We will continue to provide timely and accurate information, and we are open to constructive feedback to improve our processes.

    “Together, we can counter the dangers of fake news and disinformation and build a resilient electoral system that Nigerians can trust,” he said.

    Yakubu commended the support of INEC’s development partners, particularly, the European Union through DAI, the International Press Centre (IPC), and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).

    Speaking on the objectives of the programme  Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman said that, in line with the workshop’s theme, eight papers on diverse topics would be presented at the programme between Friday and Saturday.

    “Adequate time has also been allocated for interactive sessions where participants can ask questions, seek clarifications, and make their contributions,” he said.

    In his welcome address, Prof. Ayobami Salami, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, noted  that electoral activities, particularly in Nigeria, “are big tasks that require uprightness, integrity and diligence”.

    Salami said that fake news had brought about lack of trust and bias in the electoral system.

    In his goodwill message, Mr Rudolf Elbling, the Team Leader of the European Union, DAI, who described election as a complex process, said that the media remained a powerful stakeholder .

    Speaking at the event, Mr Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), said broadcast media anchors should be abreast of legislation pertaining  to the  electoral process so as to curtail inciting and sweeping comments  on  elections.

  • Perish that thought if you think Nigeria will break – INEC Chairman

    Perish that thought if you think Nigeria will break – INEC Chairman

    Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu has said Nigeria will not disintegrate, despite its challenges. Yakubu told those who regard the amalgamation of the Northern and the Southern protectorates in 1914 as an artificial contraption that will eventually snap to bury the thought.

    He said it is not a miracle that Nigeria has remained indivisible 110 years after its amalgamation but by the determination of the diverse people to manage their heterogeneity. Yakubu dismissed calls for divisions among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities, saying the country has maintained deep-rooted historical ties that have existed among various communities long before the amalgamation. According to him, the notion of Nigeria as a united and indivisible entity is settled.

    The INEC chairman spoke at the weekend in Kaduna during an international conference organised by Arewa House’s Department of History, Political Science, and Economics, alongside the Faculty of Law of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State in collaboration with the Pan-African Strategic and Policy Research Group in commemoration of Nigeria’s 110 years of amalgamation.

    The event, with the theme: Making and Building of Nigeria: People, Places, Times, and Legacies from 1914 to 2024, brought together scholars from across the country to x-ray the past, the present and the future of Nigeria’s history.

    Yakubu noted that Arewa House had consistently marked key historical milestones in Nigeria’s history, praising it for bringing scholars together to reflect on the nation’s journey in the past century and a decade.

    He said: “The takeaway for me is the gathering of scholars from different parts of the country to mark the 110 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation. Arewa House has been noted for marking these kinds of historical milestones, and they have done so again.”

    Addressing the ongoing debates about Nigeria’s unity, Yakubu said: “I have made peace with the fact that I am Nigerian. If some people think Nigeria is artificial, they should know that nations are always created in different ways and are consolidated over time. Tell me one nation that was put together by consensus? The fact that we are here over a century later is a plus for Nigeria.”

    The INEC chairman noted that the people’s relationships and interactions predated British colonisation and the amalgamation of what is now called Nigeria. According to him, these historical ties have only grown stronger and will continue to do so.

    General Ishola Williams (retd.), who was represented by Dr. Asma’u Maikudi from Kaduna Polytechnic, stressed the need to prioritise history education across the country. He advised that “Our Story” should be made a compulsory subject from kindergarten to tertiary institutions.

    Williams said a good understanding of the past is essential for national development.

    “Without a solid understanding of our history, we risk losing our direction as a nation. It is crucial to train more educators as ‘Ourstorians’ to teach our history comprehensively,” he said.

    The retired Commandant of Army Signals and Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) called for the establishment of a Centre for Ourstory of Pre-Colonial Africa (COPreCA) at ABU and for Arewa House to serve as the National Institute for Ourstory of Nigeria.

  • No discrepancies in 2023 presidential election results- INEC

    No discrepancies in 2023 presidential election results- INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted that the results from the 2023 presidential elections were authentic.

    It denied the claims of discrepancies between the results on its website and those presented by returning officers at the National Collation Centre, which were broadcast live on national television.

    INEC’s claim comes after the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ), in a letter dated August 7 and addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alleged that in the televised announcements, INEC reported 1,578 polling units (PUs) where voting was cancelled because of irregularities.

    It said no figures were given for the reason, though officials said that the total number of registered voters was about 1,205,000.

    CCIJ said in the documents filed on IREV that INEC polling workers reported 2,203 polling units (PUs) where voting was cancelled because of irregularities.

    “Violence was the leading reason, covering about half of the polling stations affected. The total registered voters was about 1,221,000.

    “Can you explain the differences between what INEC officials were saying publicly versus the records filed by polling unit workers?” It queried among several other posers.

    Responding, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the Commission does not announce election results on social media and that there are no discrepancies either in the number of registered voters or the presidential election results announced by the Commission.

    “You listed three YouTube video links from Channels Television, showing the interactions between the State Returning Officers of Imo, Abia, and Zamfara States and the INEC Chairman at the National Collation Centre, Abuja.

    “It is important to note that the Returning Officers of the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are required to present their presidential election results individually to the Chief Returning Officer of the Federation for the presidential election, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who is also the INEC Chairman.

    “But contrary to your observations, there were no contradictions in the video clips. In conformity with the established procedure, the Returning Officer, in each clip, announced, in descending order, the total valid votes, rejected votes, total votes cast, cancelled votes (if any), the specific areas where such votes were cancelled, and where the election did not hold with reasons. Party agents were subsequently allowed to make observations or raise objections after each announcement, but there was none in all the video clips.

    “The presidential election was conducted in 176,606 Polling Units, spread across 8,809 wards in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Supplementary elections were also held in 23 States on 15th April 2023 for various reasons captured under Chapter 11 of the Report of the 2023 General Election.

    “To that extent, we need to know the state, Local Government Area (LGA), Ward and specific polling unit being referred to for proper evaluation of your enquiries and to enable us to provide the required information. Unfortunately, the precise information necessary to address your enquiries was missing.

    “There are no ‘differences’ in the number of polling units and registered voters in the listed states. The total number of polling units and registered voters remains as announced by the Commission.

    “The result of an election may be cancelled for specific reasons, including violence, over-voting, and refusal to use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), as stipulated in the extant laws. At the same time, the conditions for making a return when the result of an election is cancelled or declared null and void in specific polling units have also been explained in the Electoral Act 2023 and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections (2022). You are invited to read the full details on our website, www.inecnigeria.org.

    “The results of the 2023 presidential election presented by our 36 State Returning Officers and the Returning Officer for the FCT at the National Collation Centre, Abuja, are official and authentic”.

     

  • INEC proposes 142 recommendations to improve electoral process

    INEC proposes 142 recommendations to improve electoral process

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the commission has come with 142 recommendations to improve future electoral process.

    Yakubu said this  at the opening of a two-day  Induction Retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Monday in Lagos.

    He said that the commission had published the report of the  review of the 2023 elections ,adding it was already available on its website.

    “But in addition, there is also the outcome of the retreats and engagements with stakeholders, which is right now being published.

    “I can tell you that the commission has made 142 recommendations on the improvement of electoral process in Nigeria.

    “As soon as the report is ready, we will go public and engage with Nigerians on this reforms.

    “The reforms are categorised, the majority are for implementation by administrative action by INEC, but some are to be implemented by security agencies.

    “We have those that require amendment to the electoral legal frameworks by the National Assembly. Some are to be implemented by political parties and other stakeholders.

    “Nigerians should be patient, as soon as we conclude the process very soon, we will share this report with Nigerians,” Yakubu said.

    According to him, in Nigeria, there is no election session any longer as the commission conduct elections round the round.

    He said that since the inauguration of the National and State Assembly in 2023, INEC had conducted nine by-elections and still had to conduct five by-elections  before the 2027 general elections.

    Stating that the FCT Area council elections would also be due in 2026, Yakubu said that there was no respite for the commission again.

    “As we innovate, we reflect, we review and we also implement,” he said.

    On Edo, the chairman noted that the flood disaster that hit the the state recently affected over 4000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines at the commission’s office.

    He, however, said the commission  had been able to recover no fewer than  3500 of the machines.

    The INEC Chairman said  the machines in the state would not be enough for the election  and that the  commission would call for additional support from neighbouring states.

    On  the retreat, the INEC Chairman said it was not just about induction of new appointees ,but an opportunity to review performance, reappraise process, discuss innovations and engage service providers.

    He said that it was also an opportunity to interface with lawmakers on critical areas of reforms and explore new frontiers “in our continuous effort to improve organisational capacity for better service delivery.”

    “In March 2022, we had an induction retreat for new National Commissioners, followed by another one on election logistics in October and then another retreat for new RECs in November.

    “The most recent retreat was held in August last year for  the review of the 2023 General Elections.

    “Today, we are holding another retreat to induct 10 new RECs: nine of them were sworn-in on Dec. 12, 2023 and one of them on Jan.30 ,2024,” Yakubu said.

    He said that in a matter of weeks after the swearing-in, many of the  new RECs were saddled with the task of conducting re-run elections in a few locations in some constituencies or bye-elections in  entire constituencies.

    According to him, INEC will conduct four major elections before 2027 , listing them  as  Anambra, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

    “Therefore, as we think, reflect and innovate for credible elections, we are also instantly implementing the reforms and innovations that we can introduce by administrative action.

    “Since election is a process governed by law, we also plan to intensify our engagement with the National Assembly for activities that require legal reform,” he said.

    The chairman charged the new RECs to be focused on how to acquaint themselves more with the processes and procedures of the commission.

    He urged the existing RECs to leverage  their privileged field experience to mitigate recurring challenges in the areas of pre-election and post-election litigations, operational issues.

    He said that such experience should be applied  in the area of logistics, improvements in  voter education processes, issues of strategic communication and combating fake news, misinformation and disinformation as well as inclusivity in the electoral process.

    Yakubu said that the experience should also cover voter registration, allotting voters to polling units, the role of technology from pre-election activities to election day processes.

    He also urged RECs to help on political party issues mainly arising from leadership crisis and the management of party primaries, the recruitment and training of election duty officials, election security and our own code of conduct.

    The INEC Chairman charged them to bear in mind that the cardinal objective of the retreat was for improved service delivery.

    “I urge you to listen attentively to the presentations and, most importantly, contribute to discussions in a solution-oriented manner”.he said.

    Yakubu expressed the commission’s  appreciation to the Development Associates Inc. (DAI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for supporting the retreat  and many other activities of the commission.

    “The presence and goodwill messages of the DAI Team Leader, Mr. Rudolf Elbling and the IFES Country Director Seray Jay is a further affirmation of their commitment to transparent and inclusive electoral process in Nigeria.

    “We wish to reassure you that INEC remains committed to these ideals just as we are determined to continue to push the boundaries of credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Ayobami Salami, the INEC REC, Lagos State, described the retreat as important and timely, saying that the platform would enhance electoral management in the country and inspire new ideas.

    Salami said that electoral activities globally remained big tasks that required, uprightness, integrity and diligence.

    Urging participants to take the retreat seriously, Salami said that at the end, RECs should be able to deliver a transparent, credible and acceptable electoral process,and one that is  devoid of bias and partisanship.

    In his remark, Mr Seray Jah, Country Director, IFES, applauded INEC for appointing experienced ex-staff as REC,saying the step would make election administration much easier.

    Jah said that IFES had been partnering with INEC over the years by providing technical support in the area of capacity building, training and other areas.

    According to him, elections all over the world are difficult tasks but there is no other country where elections are much more difficult to hold than Nigeria.

    “We assert our continuous support in advancing the aspiration of this commission,” Jah said.

    The retreat had in attendance RECs from the 36 states of the federation, directors and other management staff members  of the commission.

  • INEC has no power to conduct LG elections – Yakubu

    INEC has no power to conduct LG elections – Yakubu

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the commission has no constitutional power to conduct local council elections except in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Yakubu said this on the sidelines of a two-day induction retreat for INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), on Monday in Lagos.

    Reacting to the agitation seeking constitutional backing for INEC to be saddled with the responsibility of conducting local council elections, Yakubu described it as ‘a constitutional matter’.

    According to Yakubu, unless necessary constitutional amendments are made, the commission will only continue to organise national and state elections.

    “The same section of the constitution that establishes INEC also establishes the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and we cannot take over their duties.

    “It is good for people to engage in advocacy for INEC to take charge of the whole elections, but the constitution has to be amended for that to happen.

    “For now, INEC can only conduct the local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory with six area council chairmen and 62 councillors.

    “And it is in the FCT that the conduct of council elections has been regular and we are proud that the conduct of the elections there has been done to the best of our capacity.

    “So, we are encouraged by what we have done, but as for taking over the state elections, the constitution has to be amended, and we are not there yet,’’ he said.

    Some Nigerians are canvassing for the dissolution of the SIECs in the ongoing constitutional amendment, to pave way for INEC to take charge of local government elections.

    The proponents believe that state governors were hijacking local councils’ allocation due to irregularities in the conduct of the LG polls.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had in March this year called for the scrapping of SIECs.

    Fagbemi said that SIEC’s function should be transferred to INEC, to ensure independence and transparency in the outcome of local government elections in the country.