…as Engr. Yunusa Ya’u calls for electoral reforms ahead of 2027 polls
The Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), Engr. Yunusa Ya’u, has emphasized the urgent need for far-reaching electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections — starting with a transparent and merit-based appointment process for the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ya’u, who also serves as Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), made this known in an exclusive interview, where he outlined the NCSSR’s expectations for credible elections, strong legal frameworks, and non-partisan electoral leadership.
With the tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, set to expire in October, Ya’u said the nomination of his successor must follow strict non-partisan principles. According to him, the individual must not have been affiliated with any political party in the last 15 years and must possess at least 15 years of experience in election management.
“The person must have integrity, be knowledgeable about electoral processes, and must not be found wanting in character. The Senate must vet such a person transparently, with their full dossier published and open to public scrutiny, including allowing time for objections and petitions,” Ya’u stressed.
Citizens Must Demand Accountability
Speaking on the broader context of electoral reforms, Ya’u said while the National Assembly bears significant responsibility, citizens must not sit on the sidelines.
“We are yet to see any concrete reform concluded after the 2023 elections. There are proposals before the National Assembly, but we can’t just leave it to them. Citizens need to raise their voices, demand accountability, and insist on credible elections,” he said.
Ya’u emphasized that lawmakers are elected to represent the people and must be guided by the collective demands of their constituents.
Digital Transmission of Results, Electoral Offenses Commission Top Agenda
The NCSSR is also advocating for electronic transmission of results to be made mandatory within two hours of polling unit-level declarations, as part of a revised electoral law.
Ya’u added, “INEC’s IRev portal must be backed by law to ensure transparency. We also want an Electoral Offenses Commission established, so election offenders are prosecuted. INEC can’t prosecute itself — many electoral crimes involve its own officials or politicians. The culture of impunity must end.”
He referenced the Uwais Committee recommendation, stating that the new commission must provide quarterly scorecards of arrests, prosecutions, and convictions — disaggregated by location, offense, gender, and political party.
Logistics, Inclusion, AI: Key Reform Areas
Beyond prosecution, the NCSSR also wants a National Election Logistics Agency created to address INEC’s perennial logistical failures, as well as a Campaign Finance Commission to monitor political party spending.
Ya’u further called for affirmative action through reserved seats for women and warned of the potential misuse of Artificial Intelligence in elections. “These must be addressed through legislation if we want credible elections in 2027,” he said.
Election Petitions Must Be Concluded Before Swearing-In
Ya’u also lent his voice to calls for all election petitions to be concluded before the swearing-in of elected officials.
“It is unfair to allow candidates assume office while their legitimacy is still being contested in court. They use state resources to influence outcomes. With adequate staffing and funding for the judiciary, all cases can be concluded before inauguration,” he noted.
Six-Year Single Term Not the Solution
On the debate surrounding a single six-year term for the President and governors, Ya’u argued that such a move would not reduce corruption or campaign expenses.
“The high cost of elections is due to the monetization of our politics, not the term structure. A single term may even worsen corruption, as officeholders would see it as their only opportunity to enrich themselves. Instead, we must enforce campaign finance laws and promote internal party democracy,” he stated.
According to Ya’u, the proposed Campaign Finance Commission would help track and regulate political expenditures while ensuring that democracy is not hijacked by moneybags.
As 2027 approaches, the Situation Room insists that Nigeria cannot afford another flawed election and that meaningful reforms — rooted in transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness — must be made now.
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