INEC To Issue Supplementary Guidelines On Election Result Reviews

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to issue a supplementary document to its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines, with the aim of clarifying procedures for the review of election results, especially those guided by Section 65 of the Electoral Act.

Naija News reports that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Tuesday, July 1, at the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu noted that INEC is preparing for five major elections within the next 13 months.

“The Commission is working on a supplement to the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022, to provide clarity on the review of declaration and return at elections,” Yakubu stated.

Below are the elections to be conducted as announced by the electoral commission:

• By-elections in 12 states on August 16, 2025
• Anambra governorship election on November 8, 2025
• FCT Area Council elections on February 21, 2026
• Ekiti governorship election on June 20, 2026
• Osun governorship election on August 8, 2026

Yakubu further disclosed that the commission wants to ensure clear interpretation and implementation of Section 65, which has generated debate regarding the review and reversal of election declarations.

“As soon as the Commission takes a decision, perhaps as early as this week, the supplementary Regulations and Guidelines will be uploaded to our website and other platforms for public information,” he said.

RECs Must Work Year-Round, Not Just During General Elections

The INEC Chairman reminded Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) that their responsibilities are continuous and not limited to general elections alone.

“You are full-time commissioners. Your work does not begin as the general election approaches,” Yakubu said.

“Some of you are already doing well, but you need to intensify your efforts.”

He encouraged RECs to train their staff regularly on new policies and innovations without waiting for elaborate workshops from the headquarters.

“There are policy and procedural issues already determined by the Commission which you need to implement without prompting from Abuja,” Yakubu noted.

He also announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume nationwide on August 18 for online pre-registration and on August 25 for in-person registration.

However, he noted that in Anambra State, which has its governorship election in November, the CVR will begin next week, with the exercise holding simultaneously across all 326 wards.

Naija News reports that the meeting also marked the first attendance of four newly sworn-in RECs, while two newly appointed National Commissioners, Professors Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, were formally welcomed.

Yakubu concluded by urging the RECs to demonstrate commitment and deep understanding of the Commission’s mandate.

“This is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. We must play our part more effectively,” he said.