The immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has said while technology has improved the conduct of elections in the country over the last decade, it cannot end the flaws that continue to undermine the credibility of the country’s polls.
Yakubu spoke in a newly released book titled, ‘Election Management in Nigeria: 2015–2025.’
A copy of the book, which was published by INEC.
The 200-page publication offers a detailed account of the commission’s operations, achievements, and setbacks during Yakubu’s two-term tenure, which began in 2015.
Describing the book as “the first, most comprehensive record of these milestones, lessons and challenges of [his] two-term tenure,” the ex-INEC chairman, who wrote the forward, reflected on a decade he called one of the most significant in the history of election management in Nigeria.
“The decade between 2015 – 2025 has been one of the most momentous in the history of the management of elections in Nigeria.
“There have been several milestones, many challenges and useful lessons in the conduct of elections and the management of the process within this period,” Yakubu stated.
Key technological innovations outlined in the book include the introduction of the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System, the INEC Voter Enrolment Device, the INEC Results Viewing portal, and the expansion of voter access to polling units.
Yakubu pointed out efforts made to improve inclusivity, with targeted policies for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
“Despite these achievements, the 2015–2025 decade was not without its challenges. Issues such as multiple litigations in which the commission is joined, conflicting orders from courts of concurrent jurisdiction, electoral violence as seen in the various attacks on the commission’s facilities and personnel, vote trading, and the challenge of logistics that led to the postponement of elections since 2011, continue to pose challenges to the smooth conduct of elections and the management of the electoral process,” he added.
He also acknowledged the limitations of technology, noting that while it had advanced the process, it was not a panacea.
He said, “Additionally, technical challenges with equipment and connectivity failures have sometimes hindered the smooth conduct of elections.”
Yakubu explained that in response to the challenges, INEC undertook a series of reforms, including intensified voter education, training for electoral officials, and closer collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and personnel.
He noted that policies were also developed to guide the deployment of electoral technology.
He became the first person to be reappointed to the position, earning a second term in November 2020, also under Buhari’s administration.
Before his appointment, Yakubu served as the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and had a long academic career, including as a professor of political history and international studies.
Yakubu’s tenure was marked by both reforms and controversies. He oversaw two general elections—in 2019 and 2023—and several off-cycle elections across the country.
Under his leadership, INEC introduced significant technological innovations, such as the BIVAS and the INEC Result Viewing portal, aimed at improving electoral transparency and credibility.
However, the 2023 general elections drew widespread criticism from political parties, civil society groups, and the public over logistical failures and alleged irregularities.
While INEC defended the process and cited technical glitches, the credibility of the results, particularly the presidential election, was contested in court.
Security challenges, voter apathy, logistical setbacks, and political pressure were persistent issues during his tenure. Despite these, some observers acknowledged efforts at institutional reform and improved voter engagement.
