Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The EU Election Follow-up Mission (EU EOM) has called for a timely advancement and implementation of electoral reforms by the Nigerian government to restore public confidence and facilitate credible and inclusive elections in 2027.
The call was made at a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to provide the media with the identified opportunities and challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
The EU Election Follow-up Mission is in Nigeria on an invitation to assess progress in the electoral reform Observation Mission of 2023.
Speaking at the press conference, the Chief of Mission, EU Follow-Up Mission, Mr. Barry Andrews, who is a former Chief Observer of the EU EOM 2023, explained that the mission is politically neutral and non-partisan as well as independent in its findings and recommendations, respecting the sovereignty of the host country.
Mr. Andrew called for the political will to address the level of Nigeria’s progress on electoral reforms, which, according to them, has been modest.
“Our evaluation indicates that progress in implementing the recommendations has been modest thus far, and it is in serious danger of falling to critically low levels. Avoiding this outcome will require political will from legislators and urgent, coordinated actions by relevant institutions.”
The Chief of Mission also noted that “the country’s democratic resilience depends on reforms that citizens can believe in, and while we welcome the legislative momentum seen in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review process, time is rapidly running out.
“Unless these reforms are concluded within the next few months, there is a risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023. We encourage all political actors to seize the momentum to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the 2027 elections.”
According to him, the EU EOM in 2023 has provided 23 recommendations, including six priority ones namely: “Strengthening INEC’s independence; ensuring a transparent results transmission system; safeguarding freedom of expression; addressing impunity for electoral offences; eliminating legal ambiguities, and promoting meaningful representation of women.
“INEC’s independence; ensuring a transparent results transmission system; safeguarding freedom of expression; addressing impunity for electoral offences; eliminating legal ambiguities, and promoting meaningful representation of women.”
Mr. Andrews also emphasised the need for collaboration between civil society and the legislators.
“We are encouraged by the constructive cooperation between civil society organisations and members of the legislature, particularly in shaping proposals for a stronger legal framework. This inclusive engagement is an important sign of commitment to reforms that can strengthen credibility and foster greater public confidence in the electoral process.”
He noted that the Mission had found that while two (2) recommendations had been partially implemented, one (1) fully implemented, and eight (8) were ongoing, three (3) were too early to determine, and nine (9) had not been implemented.
The Chief of Mission further underlined two key issues for restoring confidence in the electoral process.
“Public confidence in INEC remains low, despite efforts made and progress achieved. In this context, a merit-based and non-partisan appointment process of its new Chairperson would send a powerful signal of commitment to credible elections.
“Another important step in this direction would be a robust system for real-time publication of polling unit and collation results, allowing citizens to verify both paper and electronic records.”
On his part, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s democratic journey, adding that while the EU provides assistance, implementation rests with Nigerian leaders.
“We are fully backing Nigeria through our democratic governance support programme,” he said. “But these are recommendations that Nigeria must own. The credibility of your democracy depends on it.”
The EU Election Follow-up Mission has met with a broad range of stakeholders, including the INEC, members of the National Assembly, political parties, civil society, media institutions and practitioners, as well as development partners.