Nigeria’s electoral commission chief has announced plans to issue new regulations clarifying a controversial section of the country’s electoral law that has sparked debate over its interpretation and application.
Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), revealed during a Tuesday meeting with resident electoral commissioners in Abuja that the commission would soon release supplementary guidelines to address confusion surrounding Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022.
The section in question grants INEC authority to review election results within seven days when returning officers make declarations under questionable circumstances. According to the law, the commission can intervene when it determines that declarations were made involuntarily or contrary to legal provisions, regulations, guidelines, and election manuals.
“The commission is concerned with the various interpretations given to the provision of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the review of election results,” Yakubu stated during the consultative meeting at INEC headquarters. He emphasized the urgency of clarifying the provision as Nigeria approaches upcoming bye-elections, off-cycle governorship contests, and the 2027 general election.
The Electoral Act states that returning officers’ decisions are final on matters including unmarked ballot papers, rejected ballots, and candidate score declarations. However, the provision allows INEC to review these decisions when they appear compromised or legally flawed.
Yakubu indicated that the supplementary regulations could be finalized as early as this week and would be made available on the commission’s website once approved. The new guidelines will be developed under INEC’s existing powers to create regulations and manuals for electoral administration.
During the meeting, Yakubu also addressed the resident electoral commissioners directly, urging them to take greater initiative in their respective states. He reminded the full-time commissioners that they should already be implementing existing policies and called for enhanced efforts in staff training, stakeholder engagement, logistics coordination, and security collaboration.
The INEC chairman welcomed six newly appointed commissioners to the body, noting his satisfaction that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory now have designated electoral commissioners. He stressed that the success of Nigeria’s upcoming elections would largely depend on the dedication and proactive approach of these state-level officials.
The announcement comes as Nigeria’s electoral system faces ongoing scrutiny over transparency and credibility concerns. The clarification of Section 65 is expected to provide clearer guidance for electoral officials and stakeholders ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
