As part of strengthening its partnership with the European Union, EU, and consolidating Nigeria’s electoral and democratic process which has seen incremental improvement in the last six electoral cycles, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a courtesy visit by the new EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Gautier Mignot, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital, said that the Commission does not receive direct funding from the EU.
He clarified that “The EU and other development partners provide indirect support in areas such as the publication of reports, retreats, engagement with stakeholders, as well as consultancy and technical support services in various areas, through the implementing partners selected and appointed by them”.
Mahmood added that the EU’s support “does not involve any direct funding of core electoral activities of the Commission such as voter registration, production of PVCs, training and renumeration of ad hoc staff, electoral logistics, and the procurement of sensitive materials, including election technology. These activities remain the sovereign responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
The INEC Chairman stated that since the 2023 general elections, the Commission has received reports from many of the 206 national and foreign groups and international organizations accredited to observe the elections, including the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM).
According to him “A total of 23 recommendations of which eight requires action by the Commission and 15 by the executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government as well as other stakeholders such as civil society organizations, the media, faith-based organizations, and political parties were collated”.
Prof Mahmood expressed delight over EU’s continuous engagement and collaboration with the Commission as they approach the third phase of the European Union-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) under which funding support is provided to several institutions and groups that play a role in democracy and governance in Nigeria from INEC to the National Assembly, the judiciary, political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, the media, and the National Peace Committee.
The EU Ambassador and the INEC Chairman serve as co-chairmen of the Steering Committee of the EU-SDGN initiative.
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Review of 2023 General Election
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the Commission undertook an extensive internal and external review of the 2023 General Election involving the participation of its officials and stakeholders across the board, produced a 524-page main report and a 74-page review report containing 142 recommendations already uploaded on the commission’s website.
He said that since the conduct of the general election, of-cycle, re-run, and bye-elections, there has been improvement in the quality of training of ad hoc staff involving the deployment of more and tremendous improvement in the functionality of the BVAS machines for this purpose. Voter accreditation using fingerprint or facial authentication as election results are more speedily uploaded to the IReV.
Combating disinformation
Earlier in his remarks, the new EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the importance of combating disinformation and ensuring transparency within electoral processes.
He underscored that democracy, while unique to each nation, thrives on shared experiences and mutual learning.
Amb. Mignot said the EU maintains political neutrality in Nigeria and other countries where it is present which is at the core rule of engagement stating that they are not in the country to meddle.
“We are in the middle of a project of support to democracy and governance in Nigeria with the 19 million euros and more cooperation we need. But it’s not all about money. We also have regular colleagues, along with other members of the diplomatic community, going to follow the development of elections at federal or state levels. And of course, we have electoral observation missions, like the one we had in the last election, in particular the federal elections in 2023”.
He said that Nigeria has a vibrant democracy, as it celebrates 25 years of the return to democratic governance
“The electoral system, the elections, they are not the only aspect of democracy, but they are one key pillar. Without a credible electoral system enjoying the trust of the citizens and the stakeholders, there can’t be a good democracy. In a democracy, there is no perfection in life in general. And there is specificity. Each country’s democracy has its own features, including the cultural context and history of each country”.
Good relations
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the European Union is very happy and honored to have a very long and very strong cooperation with the country on electoral matters.
According to him, this cooperation is based on “respect for each other’s sovereignty. We are not here to teach lessons or to dictate what you have to do, just to bring some of our experience, learn from you, and bring some expertise. And this is what we try to do. Always bring the best quality and expertise we can find in the European Union”.
Ambassador Mignot said EU delegation is delighted to lend support. He declared that his message to the commission in this troubled times and fast-evolving world, “is to be a constant and faithful partner. You can count on the European Union, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, to do that for Nigeria. We are very much honored by your trust, your interest in our cooperation. And I’m sure we will continue to work together” he said.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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