Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has underscored the importance of the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, along with several pending bye-elections, highlighting them as key priorities that necessitate continuous readiness.
Yakubu made these remarks on Monday during an induction retreat for new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos.
He explained that the retreat aims to both induct new appointees and to review and enhance INEC’s operational capabilities.
“Today’s retreat is particularly significant,” Yakubu stated. “It comes at a time when we are gearing up for the governorship elections in Edo State, which are just 81 days away, and in Ondo State, scheduled for 137 days from now.”
He also detailed the pending bye-elections: “We have five upcoming bye-elections: one for the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, and four for state constituencies—Khana II in Rivers State, Bagwai/Shanono in Kano State, Zaria Kewaye in Kaduna State, and Ganye in Adamawa State.”
Yakubu noted that these bye-elections are part of a series, bringing the total to 14 since the inauguration of the national and state assemblies in June of the previous year.
The INEC Chairman emphasized the significance of these elections, asserting that they demonstrate the Commission’s ongoing dedication to ensuring credible and efficient electoral processes across the country.
“Looking ahead, there are four major elections before the next general election in 2027. The Anambra State Governorship election next year will be followed in 2026 by the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections, and the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Therefore, as we think, reflect, and innovate for credible elections, we are also immediately implementing the reforms and innovations that we can introduce through administrative action. Since elections are governed by law, we also plan to intensify our engagement with the National Assembly for activities that require legal reform.”
Yakubu stressed the importance of training and equipping the new RECs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage these responsibilities.
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