INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, Meets Senator Lalong to Discuss Electoral Reforms

Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday paid a visit to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, at the National Assembly in Abuja.  

According to a statement by Lalong’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Makut Macham, the INEC Chairman and his delegation held a closed-door meeting with Senator Lalong and the Committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Musa Yar’adua. The discussions centered on critical issues affecting the Commission, including electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

Senator Lalong welcomed Prof. Yakubu and assured him of the Committee’s commitment to supporting INEC in carrying out its mandate without hindrance. He disclosed plans for oversight visits to INEC offices to monitor the implementation of the 2025 budget and address operational challenges.  

During the meeting, Prof. Yakubu congratulated Lalong on his appointment and emphasized the need for collaboration on key electoral reforms. He highlighted pressing issues such as continuous voter registration (CVR), political party supervision, constituency delineation, and the timely release of funds for off-cycle and by-elections. 

The INEC Chairman also informed the Committee that the Commission had submitted proposed amendments to electoral laws to the National Assembly, aimed at improving future elections. While acknowledging the Senate’s support in budgetary allocations, he noted that INEC had only accessed limited funds so far.  

Before concluding the visit, Prof. Yakubu extended his condolences to Senator Lalong over the passing of former Plateau State Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, whom he described as a former colleague at the University of Jos.