Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hosted a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) led by Chief Observer, Mr. Barry Andrews, at its Abuja headquarters. The visit was part of a follow-up assessment on the implementation of recommendations from Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
Mr. Andrews, also a Member of the European Parliament, acknowledged notable improvements in the electoral process while pointing out remaining challenges, especially those requiring judicial and constitutional reforms. He commended INEC for its cooperation and commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, welcomed the delegation, emphasizing that this was the Commission’s third EU follow-up mission, after visits in 2017 and 2022. He highlighted that out of 23 recommendations directed specifically at INEC in the EU’s 2023 report, eight were addressed, with only one classified as a priority. Administrative recommendations have been implemented, while broader cross-cutting recommendations are being coordinated with stakeholders.
Yakubu added that the Commission had prepared detailed responses to all recommendations and shared them with the EU delegation. He noted that an internal review of the 2023 elections produced 142 reform recommendations, many of which align with international observers’ suggestions. He stressed that timely legislative reforms are crucial, urging the National Assembly to expedite the process to prevent legal uncertainties from affecting preparations for the 2027 elections.
The INEC Chairman assured the delegation that formal invitations would soon be extended to international election observers, including the EU, African Union, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth. He emphasized that insights from these missions help enhance the quality, credibility, and inclusiveness of elections in Nigeria.
Both INEC and the EU delegation reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, underscoring the importance of transparency, reform, and preparedness as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. The engagement signals a continued partnership aimed at ensuring credible, free, and fair electoral processes in the country.
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