INEC Reforms Under Yakubu Revolutionised Elections, IPAC Declares

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has lauded the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for transforming Nigeria’s electoral system and enhancing its credibility through innovative use of technology.

Speaking at a colloquium in Abuja to mark ten years of Yakubu’s leadership, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said the reforms curtailed multiple voting and electoral manipulation. He added that despite declining voter participation, the votes cast in recent elections were genuine and accurately reflected the will of the people.

“Before now, votes were often manufactured and results inflated,” Dantalle said. “INEC, under Professor Yakubu, cleaned the voter register using technology, eliminating duplicate registrations and invalidating fake permanent voter cards (PVCs) through the biometric voter accreditation system (BVAS).”

Dantalle highlighted that electoral outcomes in states like Enugu, Benue, and Kebbi demonstrated the effectiveness of these reforms, noting that sitting governors lost elections, reflecting a true democratic process. He also cited the 2023 presidential election, where Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s strong performance in Lagos, despite limited local government backing, underscored the integrity of the process.

The IPAC chairman further praised Yakubu for ending manipulations in party candidate nominations. “Political parties no longer submit sacks of documents to coalition centres. Electronic submission now ensures transparency and reduces pre-election litigation,” he said.

On political party registrations, Dantalle noted that INEC’s stringent requirements, including mandatory PVC ownership, have curbed dominance by single individuals within party leadership. “In the past, one man could control a party entirely, but today, the system is fairer and more accountable,” he stated.

IPAC’s commendation underscores the lasting impact of Yakubu’s decade-long reforms in strengthening the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s elections.