INEC Chairman Speaks as He Finishes Up His Term in Office, Calls for Constitutional Amendment
- INEC has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive democracy, spotlighting women’s leadership in politics and party structures
- Chairman Mahmood Yakubu revealed that over half of the commission’s departments are headed by women, underscoring INEC’s internal gender balance
- He also called for constitutional and electoral reforms to support affirmative action and boost women’s representation in elective offices
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering inclusive democracy in Nigeria, placing particular emphasis on enhancing women’s participation in politics and party leadership.
This pledge was reiterated by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during an advocacy visit by the Women’s Collective Forum to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Source: Twitter
The delegation, led by Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, met with the commission just days after the global observance of the United Nations International Day of Democracy. The 2025 theme, “Achieving Gender Equality: From Voice to Action,” underscored the relevance of the visit.
INEC highlights internal gender representation
Professor Yakubu stated that INEC operates as an equal-opportunities institution, with women occupying a majority of leadership roles within the commission. He disclosed that 12 out of 22 departments and directorates at the headquarters are currently headed by women, representing 55 percent of the commission’s top-level leadership in Abuja.
“Across the States of the Federation, many of our substantive Administrative Secretaries, who are also Directors, are women,” he added.
Institutional support for gender inclusion
The INEC chairman also drew attention to the commission’s structural mechanisms that promote gender inclusion. He noted the existence of a dedicated Department of Gender and Inclusivity, alongside a gender policy that undergoes regular updates to reflect evolving priorities.
Yakubu explained that INEC actively engages political parties on the importance of integrating women into leadership roles. “In our consultative meetings with political parties, we have consistently urged them to ensure greater representation for under-represented groups in party leadership,” he said. “Many of them have responded positively, although much work needs to be done.”
Legal reforms and affirmative action for women in politics
Addressing the broader challenge of women’s representation in elective offices, Yakubu advocated for constitutional and legislative reforms to support affirmative action. He argued that legal provisions were essential to securing meaningful representation for women and other marginalised groups in legislative assemblies.
“The commission believes that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in the legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provision, as was the case in many jurisdictions,” he said. “This calls for the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.”
Yakubu further revealed that INEC had already backed legislative efforts aimed at improving women’s political participation.
“At our retreat early this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions,” he disclosed.
5 Nigerians likely to replace INEC chairman
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu is said to be at the junction of where different parts meet as the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ends next month.
The question of who will be Yakubu's successor has become of interest to many Nigerians. The professor was first appointed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020 and was reappointed in 2025, making him the longest-serving chairman of the electoral body.
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Source: Legit.ng
