Nigeria and the African Union (AU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democratic governance and promoting credible, peaceful and inclusive elections ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement on the meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and the AU Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission to Nigeria.
The mission was led by former Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Demeke Hassen.
Adeniyi said the meeting took place during the AU Mission’s seven-day engagement in Nigeria to assess the country’s election preparedness and support relevant authorities and civil society organisations.
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Demeke Hassen said the mission had engaged key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations, to obtain diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
Extensive Preparations
He acknowledged the extensive preparations required to conduct elections in a large democracy like Nigeria, while stressing the country’s important role in shaping democratic norms across Africa.
“We assure of the African Union’s support in further enhancing inclusion, fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Hassen said.
The Minister of State welcomed the AU mission, describing its visit as important given that preparations for the 2027 electoral process were already underway.
Enikanolaiye said the mission demonstrated the AU’s continued commitment to consolidating democratic governance and promoting credible elections across the continent.
He said, “Nigeria attaches great importance to the visit of the AU Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission, particularly at this critical time when preparations for the 2027 electoral process are already underway.”
The Minister commended the AU for its efforts to promote free, fair and peaceful elections across Africa, noting that Nigeria had benefited significantly from the continental body’s contribution to democratic development.
Enikanolaiye assured the delegation of the full cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions in facilitating its engagements with INEC, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, development partners and other stakeholders.
He said such engagements would provide valuable insights and recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to credible elections in 2027.
“Nigeria has successfully and orderly conducted democratic transitions since May 1999 and will continue along this positive trajectory, serving as a symbol and beacon of hope and progress in Africa and, by extension, the Global South,” he said.
Balanced Assessment
Enikanolaiye further called for a balanced and objective assessment of Nigeria’s electoral processes by the AU mission.
He said, “Nigeria expects a balanced and objective assessment of the country’s electoral processes and outcomes.”
The Minister added that the findings would serve as a constructive contribution to strengthening democratic institutions and electoral processes.
The engagement underscored the sustained cooperation between Nigeria and the AU in promoting democratic governance, strengthening electoral institutions and advancing peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive elections across the continent.
