INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Meets with Media, Outlines Electoral Plans for 2025/ 26

… Says Electoral Offences Tribunal will expedite prosecution of electoral offenders

Oru Leonard

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, met with media executives and journalists on Friday, February 7, 2025, to discuss the commission’s plans and preparations for the upcoming electoral activities.

Being the first this year of the regular quarterly meeting held by INEC with Media Executives, Professor Yakubu disclosed Electoral plans for the year 2025 and 2026 as follows;

• The Anambra State Governorship election is scheduled to hold on November 8, 2025, with party primaries set to begin on March 20, 2025.
• The Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will take place on February 21, 2026.

On Electoral Reforms, Prof. Yakubu emphasized the need for the creation of an Electoral Offences Tribunal to expedite the prosecution of electoral offenders.

He also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement in the electoral process, citing the successful prosecution of electoral offenders in Kebbi and Kogi States.

Collaboration with Media: The INEC Chairman commended the media for their support and collaboration, acknowledging the crucial role they play in promoting electoral democracy. He expressed his commitment to sustaining the partnership with the media, ensuring that they are well-informed and equipped to cover electoral activities effectively.

INEC’s Budget and Preparations: Prof. Yakubu discussed INEC’s budget for the upcoming electoral activities, stating that the commission is seeking additional funding to support its operations. He noted N40 Billion Naira, which was also the budget for last will not be enough.

He assured the media that INEC is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, and is working tirelessly to ensure the success of its mandate.
Speaking, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Hassan Yahaya, represented by the National Secretary of the NUJ Comrade Achike Gregory Chude expressed his commitment to collaborating with INEC, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Dr. Chris Isiguzo.

He advised INEC to explore new voting processes, including the use of national identity cards, international passports, and driving licenses.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between INEC, the media, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of Nigeria’s electoral process.