The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections, while the European Election Mission commends efforts to improve the electoral process.

Mr. Andrews, a Member of the European Parliament, commended Nigeria’s progress since 2023 and stated the mission’s goal is to assess reforms and support continued improvements.

On Thursday, the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and his team met with a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), led by Chief Observer Mr Barry Andrews, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The visit is a follow-up evaluation focused on the implementation of recommendations made after the 2023 general elections. At that time, international observers, such as representatives from the EU, noted various legal, operational, and systemic matters related to different aspects of the electoral process.

In the words of the leader of the team, Mr Andrews, “We have noted significant improvements in several areas, though some challenges remain, particularly those requiring judicial and constitutional reforms,”.

He noted INEC’s collaboration with international partners and its willingness to consider reforms aimed at enhancing the credibility of the electoral system.

In his remarks, Professor Yakubu formally welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the European Union’s ongoing involvement in Nigeria’s democratic progress. He noted that the present Commission had hosted comparable EU follow-up missions in both 2017 and 2022.

Referencing the EU Election Observation Mission’s 2023 report, the INEC Chairman noted that 23 recommendations were provided, eight of which pertained specifically to INEC. Among these, only one was identified as a priority.

“The Commission has carefully considered all the recommendations specifically addressed to us. We have already implemented those requiring administrative action and are working with other stakeholders on cross-cutting recommendations,” the INEC chairman stated.

Yakubu stated that INEC has developed detailed responses to each EU recommendation, which have been communicated to the EU delegation. He further noted that, in addition to external evaluations, the Commission’s internal review of the 2023 elections resulted in 142 reform proposals, many of which align with suggestions from international observers.

He noted that INEC’s responsibilities constitute just one aspect of the reform process. Certain recommendations, especially those involving constitutional and judicial issues, need legislative action from the National Assembly.

“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as elections draw nearer.”

The INEC Chairman confirmed that international observers will be invited to monitor Nigeria’s 2027 elections. toward delivering credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in 2027.

“We believe that the recommendations from your missions help to improve the quality of our elections. We look forward to engaging further as we prepare for 2027,” he said.

EU’s Role and Contributions Towards Strengthening Nigeria’s Democratic System

The European Union has contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promoting accountability in elections and governance. It has been involved as a development and governance partner with Nigeria for more than twenty years. The EU’s activities include election observation, governance reforms, accountability initiatives, human rights efforts, peacebuilding, and institutional support.

Since 1999, the European Union has conducted more than 11 Election Observation Missions (EOMs) in Nigeria, issuing recommendations that have informed significant reforms in voter registration, electoral technology, and transparency of results management. These missions are widely recognised as an important accountability mechanism contributing to the improvement of Nigeria’s electoral processes.

Through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), the agency allocated over €100 million (approximately ₦170 billion) in various phases of this programme, collaborating with INEC, civil society organisations, political parties, the judiciary, and the media.

The initial phase (2017–2022) facilitated innovations, including the implementation of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and provided training for thousands of election officials and party agents. Commencing in 2022, the second phase continues to enhance inclusivity, with a particular focus on increasing the political participation of women and youth.

Additionally, in collaboration with Nigerian institutions and civil society, the EU provides funding for initiatives aimed at promoting anti-corruption efforts, strengthening the rule of law, and enhancing accountability in public service delivery. Programmes such as Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), managed by the British Council, have contributed to supporting the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and rights-focused organisations in advancing transparency.

The agency allocates resources to support NGOs, journalists, and human rights defenders. Organisations such as Yiaga Africa, IPC, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), and CLEEN Foundation have received EU assistance for activities including election monitoring by citizens, efforts related to electoral reform, and initiatives focused on accountability at state and federal levels.

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