The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated its resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the role of public accountability and legal scrutiny in the process.
This assurance came during the official unveiling of a detailed report titled “From Ballot to the Court,” which assesses the volume and outcomes of post-election litigation arising from the 2023 polls.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, represented at the event by the Commission’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu Inuwa, commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) for its comprehensive analysis
He reaffirmed the Commission’s willingness to work with civil society groups and accept constructive feedback.
Yakubu noted that while several legal challenges to election results were successful, reflecting some progress in electoral management, the overall data also highlighted areas requiring urgent reform.
He assured Nigerians that the Commission remains committed to delivering transparent and credible elections in 2027.
“Various factors may explain the outcomes seen in the report, but it’s clear that Nigeria’s election management is improving. We are focused on delivering a credible process in 2027,” Yakubu said.
However, the INEC Chairman expressed concern over the overwhelming number of unsuccessful election petitions.
According to the PLAC report, only 11.1% of the 895 petitions filed at the Election Tribunal succeeded. Similarly, at the appellate level, only 20.9% of the 588 appeals were upheld.
Yakubu described this pattern as troubling, suggesting that the country’s mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes may need to be re-evaluated.
He also observed that in many contests, the winning margins have become tighter, pointing to more competitive races compared to past elections.
The report—produced by PLAC with support from the European Union—offers a critical look into how the judiciary has shaped post-election outcomes and highlights its growing influence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking at the event, PLAC’s Executive Director Clement Nwankwo raised alarms over the rising number of court cases that follow elections, describing the trend as unhealthy for the country’s democracy.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the legal system by equipping judges with better training and called for reforms to improve election conduct and dispute resolution.