The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has applauded Nigeria’s strides in implementing electoral reforms following the 2023 general elections but issued a strong appeal for deeper constitutional and legislative changes.
The Mission warned that the success and credibility of the 2027 elections, and Nigeria’s democratic reputation globally, hinge on swift and comprehensive reforms, reports Daily Independent.
Speaking during a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja yesterday, Chief Observer of the EU EOM and Member of the European Parliament, Barry Andrews, described Nigeria as a leading democracy on the African continent and an indispensable partner in advancing global democratic governance.
“It is a privilege to return to Nigeria,” Andrews said, recalling his appointment by EU High Representative Josep Borrell to lead the 2023 election observation team.
“The 2023 mission, both in scale and resources, was among the largest we have ever deployed. That demonstrates the strength of the EU-Nigeria relationship and reflects Nigeria’s importance both regionally and internationally.”
He explained that the visit formed part of the EU’s routine post-election follow-up to assess the level of implementation of recommendations from the 2023 observation mission. While he had just arrived in the country, members of the team had been in Nigeria for three weeks and would remain for another week to conclude their assessment.
Andrews expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far, especially in administrative and procedural areas. However, he stressed that more ambitious reforms, particularly judicial, legislative, and constitutional changes, would require stronger political will and more time.
“Our recommendations are consistent with international standards that Nigeria and many other countries have endorsed. Election observation is a global effort aimed at reinforcing democracy, not just in Africa, but worldwide,” he noted.
Highlighting the mutual nature of electoral observation, Andrews remarked, “As an Irishman, I can attest that Nigeria has sent observers to Ireland during our presidential elections. We welcomed their constructive input, and we are here today with the same spirit of partnership.”
The EU Mission, he said, was particularly interested in INEC’s self-review of the 2023 elections, the conduct of off-cycle gubernatorial polls, and progress on key recommendations such as result transmission and publication transparency.
Welcoming the delegation, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, commended the EU for its long-standing support and described election observation and follow-up missions as essential tools for improving Nigeria’s electoral system. He explained that the follow-up visit was part of the EU’s standard practice of reviewing electoral reforms midway between general elections, noting that this was the third such mission received by the current Commission.
Yakubu recalled that after the 2019 elections, the EU made 30 recommendations, 11 of which were directed at INEC. By contrast, the 2023 report contained 23 recommendations, eight of them specific to the Commission and the rest requiring action from other stakeholders such as the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, civil society, media, and professional bodies.
“We have implemented recommendations that fall within our administrative mandate while collaborating with other institutions on broader issues. For those that require legislative amendments, we await the outcome of the ongoing constitutional and legal review by the National Assembly,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman revealed that the Commission had shared a comprehensive response to each recommendation with the EU delegation, alongside a detailed review of the 2023 general elections, which included 142 reform proposals. Many of these, he said, would require amendments to the Electoral Act and even the Constitution.
“To this end, we have continued our engagements with the National Assembly, including a retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters held earlier this year in Lagos. We urge the National Assembly to expedite the electoral reform process. Passing the new legal framework early is vital for election planning, as legal uncertainty can undermine preparations,” Yakubu said.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with international partners in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
“We look forward to welcoming the next EU Election Observation Mission in 2027. As you noted, observer missions are deployed at INEC’s invitation, and I assure you that our engagement with the EU, the Commonwealth, the African Union, and ECOWAS will continue,” he added.
Yakubu emphasised that recommendations from international observer missions have consistently helped to improve Nigeria’s electoral processes. He also expressed appreciation for the EU’s ongoing support through initiatives like the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) and pledged to strengthen the partnership.
Members of the visiting EU delegation included Barry Andrews, Chief Observer and Member of the European Parliament; Mr. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Mr. Ralph-Michael Peters, Election Expert and Team Lead; Ms. Eirini-Maria Gounari, Election Legal Expert; Mr. Maros Gabriel, Election Administration Expert; and Ms. Laolu Olawumi, Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law at the EU Delegation.
