Amid growing calls for credible elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is under mounting pressure from political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the international community to initiate urgent reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to report within the commission revealed on Thursday that discussions are ongoing to amend aspects of the Electoral Act that have posed legal and operational challenges during past elections.
Among the areas under review are electronic transmission of results, voter register integrity, and the deployment of technology during voting.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency and reform.
“We have heard the voices of Nigerians. INEC is working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to ensure that the next elections are more transparent, inclusive, and technologically driven,” Yakubu said.
Leaders from various political parties have also expressed their positions. While the opposition has demanded full implementation of electronic voting and real-time result transmission, the ruling party has urged caution, citing infrastructural gaps in rural areas.
Meanwhile, international partners such as the European Union and ECOWAS Election Observation Missions have emphasized the need for electoral integrity to sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
Analysts say the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Nigeria can overcome past electoral flaws and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
