INEC develops new guidelines for reviewing election results ahead of upcoming polls.

INEC develops new guidelines for reviewing election results ahead of upcoming polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to release a supplementary document to its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines to clarify the procedures for reviewing election results, especially as outlined in Section 65 of the Electoral Act.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known during the commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held in Abuja on Tuesday.

He noted that the commission is gearing up for a busy electoral period, with five major elections scheduled over the next 13 months. These include by-elections across 12 states on August 16, 2025; the Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025; the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections on February 21, 2026; the Ekiti governorship election on June 20, 2026; and the Osun governorship election on August 8, 2026.

Yakubu emphasized the need for clear guidance, stating:

“As we move closer to the by-elections, off-cycle governorship elections, and eventually the 2027 general elections, the commission is concerned about the different interpretations being applied to Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 regarding result reviews.

“In line with our authority to issue regulations, guidelines, and manuals that give effect to the Electoral Act and ensure its effective implementation, the commission is currently finalizing a supplement to the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections. This document will clarify the procedures for the review of declarations and returns during elections.

“Once the commission reaches a decision — possibly as early as this week — the supplementary guidelines will be made publicly available via our website and other official platforms,” he added.

The INEC chairman also called on RECs to regard their duties as ongoing responsibilities rather than activities limited to general elections.

Yakubu emphasised the need for consistent commitment at the state level, noting that the success of Nigeria’s elections depends on year-round efforts.

He reminded the RECs that responsibility for effective logistics, voter engagement, and implementation of electoral reforms lies with them.

I wish to remind you that your work does not begin as the general election approaches. You are full-time commissioners. There are policy and procedural issues already determined by the commission which you need to implement without prompting from the Headquarters in Abuja.

“Some of you are already doing so, but you need to intensify your effort. You do not need an elaborate conference or workshop to build the capacity of your staff to improve on their knowledge of new policies and practical innovations introduced by the commission to improve electoral service delivery to Nigerians,” Yakubu stressed.

Yakubu emphasised that the RECs must be proactive, adding, “You can only effectively discharge your responsibilities when you are knowledgeable and committed.

“I encourage you to intensify your effort so that we will play our part in what is a multi-stakeholder responsibility more effectively.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the importance of collective effort in ensuring credible elections, stating, “This is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. We must all play our part more effectively.”

He also announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will resume nationwide, with online pre-registration starting on August 18, and in-person registration beginning on August 25. However, in Anambra State—where the governorship election is scheduled for November—the CVR will commence earlier, starting next week, and will be conducted simultaneously across all 326 wards.

The meeting, held at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, marked the participation of two newly appointed National Commissioners, Profs.

Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, along with six recently sworn-in Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). Four of the new RECs were attending their first consultative meeting.