The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to release a supplementary document to its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines, aimed at clarifying the application of Section 65 of the Electoral Act concerning the review of election results.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed this during the commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja. He noted that the decision was driven by growing concerns over the varied interpretations of Section 65, which outlines the power of INEC officials to review declared results under certain conditions.
“As we approach the by-elections, the off-cycle governorship elections and ultimately the 2027 general election, the commission is concerned with the various interpretations given to the provision of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022,” Yakubu said.
The commission is gearing up for a demanding electoral calendar, with five major elections scheduled over the next 13 months. These include:
By-elections in 12 states on August 16, 2025
Anambra State 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 lAugust 8, 2026
Prof. Yakubu said the forthcoming supplementary document will offer clear procedures and guidance to electoral officials and stakeholders, thereby ensuring transparency and consistency in applying Section 65 during result collation and review.
