By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has highlighted court cases, conflicting judicial pronouncements, electoral violence, and vote buying as major threats to the conduct and management of elections in Nigeria.
Yakubu made the observation in the foreword to his new book, Election Management in Nigeria: 2015 to 2025, which documents his decade-long leadership of the electoral body and the reforms implemented during his tenure.
The 220-page publication, unveiled on his final day in office, examines key developments, institutional changes, and persistent challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system over a ten-year period. It is divided into 11 chapters covering areas such as election technology, logistics, security, and electoral reform.
According to Yakubu, pre- and post-election litigations, inconsistent judicial rulings, growing violence, and vote buying have repeatedly undermined public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The decade between 2015 and 2025 has been one of the most momentous in the history of election management in Nigeria. There have been several milestones, many challenges, and useful lessons in the conduct and administration of elections during this period,” he wrote.
Despite these challenges, Yakubu stated that INEC made significant progress through wide-ranging reforms designed to improve transparency, inclusivity, and voter access.
Under his leadership, the Commission introduced key innovations including the Simultaneous Accreditation and Voting System (CAVs), the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED), and the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). INEC also expanded the number of polling units nationwide from 119,974 to 176,846 — the first such expansion in 25 years.
Other notable reforms highlighted in the book include the establishment of the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), digital platforms for candidate and observer accreditation, and targeted initiatives for persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, women, and youth.
Yakubu also referenced the creation of the Election Management Support Centre (EMSC), which provides real-time monitoring of election activities, and INEC’s support for electoral bodies across West Africa.
While acknowledging these achievements, he admitted that operational challenges persisted, including logistics delays, technical issues, and network failures, which occasionally affected the Commission’s performance.
“In response to these challenges, the Commission implemented various reforms, including enhanced voter education, capacity building for electoral officials, and stronger collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and personnel,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Yakubu stressed the need for INEC to remain proactive by consolidating past gains and embracing new reforms to strengthen electoral integrity. He called for intensified trust-building measures, broader inclusivity, and a strategic approach to addressing emerging threats to ensure Nigeria’s elections remain credible and reflective of the people’s will.
