Atiku Faults INEC Over Lack Of Reform Commitment

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying the body has not shown clear readiness to reform Nigeria’s election system.

His remarks came during a meeting in Abuja with a European Union team led by Barry Andrews, head of the EU’s 2023 election observation mission to Nigeria.

The visit followed earlier recommendations made by the EU after last year’s general elections. The delegation, which also included the EU ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, met with Atiku to review the progress of electoral reforms and the future of Nigeria’s polls.

Atiku noted that Nigerians expect INEC to work closely with the National Assembly on electoral laws that can deliver free and credible elections. He pointed out that citizens want a process where votes are counted transparently and outcomes reflect the will of the people.

Nearly two years after the 2023 elections, he argued that there has been no clear signal that the commission is preparing to strengthen the electoral framework. He described this as worrying, given the rising expectations for credible polls ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku added that democracy can only grow when elections are trusted, and he stressed the importance of reforms in building national unity and economic progress. He expressed support for civil society groups, local organisations and international partners pushing for change before the next election cycle.

The EU delegation said its visit was aimed at assessing how much of its earlier recommendations had been acted upon. It also reaffirmed its interest in working with Nigerian stakeholders to improve electoral credibility and ensure fairness in future contests.

Meanwhile, INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu has urged lawmakers to act quickly on pending amendments to the electoral framework. He warned that delays in passing clear laws could disrupt election preparations, while also confirming that the commission has reviewed the eight recommendations addressed to it in the EU mission’s report.