Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has urged the National Assembly to expedite amendments to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of the next general election.

Yakubu made the call on Thursday in Abuja while hosting Barry Andrews, head of the European Union (EU) election observation follow-up mission to Nigeria.

“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the commission as election draws nearer,” he said.

The INEC boss explained that the commission had reviewed the eight recommendations specifically directed at it in the EU mission’s report on the 2023 polls. He noted that the EU presented 23 recommendations in total, with eight addressed to INEC and one marked as a priority.

Yakubu said some recommendations had already been implemented administratively, while others requiring legislative backing were awaiting the outcome of the National Assembly’s review. He disclosed that INEC’s own post-election review produced 142 reform proposals, some of which also need legal intervention.

“As you are aware, election is a process governed by law. Many of your recommendations require the review of our electoral laws,” he said, adding that the commission had already engaged lawmakers, including during a retreat with the joint committee on electoral matters.

Yakubu also reassured the EU team of INEC’s commitment to continuous engagement with observer groups, stressing that their input has been vital to strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.

On his part, Andrews said the mission’s visit was to track progress on the 2023 recommendations and assess ongoing reforms. He praised INEC for progress made so far, while highlighting the need for improvements in result transparency and constitutional reforms.

“We are very happy to see that there has been significant progress against these recommendations,” Andrews said, noting that electoral reforms must align with international democratic standards to sustain credibility.