EU Mission Lauds INEC, Seeks More Reform
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The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on Thursday praised Nigeria’s electoral body for progress made since the 2023 general elections but called for deeper reforms ahead of the next nationwide vote in 2027.
The EU delegation, led by Chief Observer Barry Andrews, met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was said to be part of a follow-up assessment of how Nigeria has implemented recommendations issued after last year’s polls.
Andrews, who is also a Member of the European Parliament, said the mission noted “significant improvements in several areas” but warned that gaps remained, especially those requiring judicial and constitutional changes.
He praised INEC for its cooperation and “dedication to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.”
Yakubu, in his remarks, said this was the third time the Commission was hosting an EU follow-up mission since 2017.
He noted that of the 23 recommendations in the EU EOM’s 2023 report, eight were directed at INEC, with one classified 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,” he told the delegation”.
Yakubu disclosed that INEC has produced a detailed response to each recommendation and shared it with the EU team.
He added that an internal review of the 2023 elections generated 142 reform proposals, many of which aligned with international observers’ findings.
However, the INEC chief warned that progress depended on swift legislative changes.
“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as elections draw nearer,” he cautioned, urging lawmakers to fast-track electoral reforms.
Yakubu also confirmed that invitations would soon be extended to international observers, including the EU, African Union, ECOWAS and the Commonwealth, as part of early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process through continued dialogue and cooperation.
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