The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has assured Nigerians that electoral reforms will be implemented before the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, Professor Yakubu revealed that the Commission has conducted a thorough review of the 2023 general elections with relevant stakeholders, resulting in 142 recommendations. Of these, eight require amendments to the Electoral Act.

"The National Assembly is going to organize a public hearing, and it is after the public hearing that a new bill will be submitted to the President for assent," Yakubu stated. "We are working with the National Assembly on electoral reform, but I am not going to give more details. You will hear from the National Assembly."

The INEC Chairman explained that the Commission independently reviewed the 2023 elections and engaged with stakeholders to develop the recommendations. "We will have some necessary amendments done to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections," he assured.

Professor Yakubu was at the State House for the inauguration of two INEC National Commissioners from the North-West and South-East regions. He confirmed that with these appointments, the electoral commission now has a full complement of commissioners as required by law.

Addressing rumors about his removal, Yakubu clarified that he remains Nigeria's Chief Electoral Officer. The statement comes amid speculation about leadership changes within the Commission.

The proposed electoral reforms align with calls from various groups, including the Obidient Movement, which has advocated for restructuring INEC and implementing comprehensive electoral reforms to enhance the credibility of future elections in Nigeria.