Archive July 1, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is drafting supplementary regulations to clarify Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, amid growing concerns over varied interpretations of the law regarding the review of declared election results.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu explained that the new guidelines will help provide clarity on how the Commission can exercise its powers under the Act, especially ahead of upcoming bye-elections, off-cycle governorship polls, and the 2027 general election.

“As we approach the bye-elections, the off-cycle governorship elections and ultimately the 2027 general election, 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.

“Pursuant to our powers to issue regulations, guidelines and manuals to give effect to the provisions of the Electoral Act and for its administration, the Commission is working on a supplement to the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022 to provide clarity on the review of declaration and return at elections,” the commission chairman stated.

According to him, once a decision is reached—possibly as early as this week—the supplementary regulations and guidelines will be uploaded to INEC’s website and other public platforms.

Section 65 of the Electoral Act allows INEC to, within seven days, review any result where the returning officer is found to have acted under duress or contrary to the law.

However, the provision has been the subject of differing legal and political interpretations, prompting the Commission to seek clarity through updated operational guidelines.

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During the meeting, Yakubu also charged RECs with taking full ownership of the electoral process within their respective states, reminding them that they are full-time officials whose responsibilities should not depend on directives from Abuja.

“You are full-time commissioners and should already be implementing existing policies,” he said.

He called for greater commitment to staff training, stakeholder engagement, electoral logistics, and coordination with security agencies.

Yakubu also welcomed six newly appointed RECs and expressed satisfaction that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory now have full representation. He said the performance of future elections would depend heavily on the dedication and initiative shown by the RECs in discharging their responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the INEC Chairman announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will resume nationwide from 18th August 2025 for online pre-registration, while in-person registration will begin on 25th August.

However, in Anambra State, the CVR will commence next week and will be held simultaneously in all 326 wards ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for 8th November 2025.

He noted that the early start is to ensure the completion of the updated voters’ register within the legal timeframe of 90 days before the election date.

Yakubu also outlined the Commission’s electoral calendar for the next year. According to him, five major elections will be conducted between August 2025 and August 2026.

These include bye-elections in 12 states on 16th August 2025; the Anambra governorship election on 8th November 2025; the FCT Area Council elections on 21st February 2026; the Ekiti governorship election on 20th June 2026; and the Osun governorship election on 8th August 2026.