The European Union has expressed its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, made this statement at a national stakeholders' meeting and world press conference in Abuja, marking 100 days to the elections. Mignot described the forthcoming polls as a defining moment for Nigeria's democracy and an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the country's democratic institutions.
The EU Ambassador emphasized that the elections, scheduled for January and February 2027, would provide elected leaders with the popular legitimacy required to govern effectively for the next four years. He stressed that INEC faced a "Herculean task" that required the cooperation of all stakeholders, including adequate budgetary support. Mignot urged Nigerians and other stakeholders to facilitate INEC's work, citing the commission's efforts to improve public confidence in the electoral process, as seen in recent off-cycle elections.
Mignot highlighted the importance of credible results and the need for contestants and their supporters to accept the outcome of the elections. He also emphasized the role of the media in providing accurate information and debunking false claims capable of inflaming political tensions. The EU representative warned about the danger posed by misinformation and fake news, urging stakeholders to promote peaceful elections and reject violence.
The European Union disclosed that it would continue its support for Nigeria's democratic development through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (SDGN) programme. The programme provides assistance to INEC and other stakeholders involved in strengthening the country's electoral system. Mignot stressed that the EU's involvement was based on partnership and respect for Nigeria's sovereignty, and that the bloc does not impose political choices or support individual candidates or political parties.
As part of its continued engagement, the EU will deploy an electoral mission comprising experts to monitor the preparations for the 2027 elections, the conduct of the polls, and their immediate aftermath. The mission will also examine the implementation of recommendations made by the EU's 2023 Electoral Observation Mission. Mignot revealed that civil society organisations supported under the SDGN programme were actively monitoring preparations for the elections and had issued a memorandum containing recommendations to INEC, political actors, and other stakeholders.
A major concern raised by the EU was the possibility of violence before, during, and after the elections. Mignot called on all political actors, security agencies, candidates, and supporters to reject violence and allow citizens to freely express their political choices. He said the EU would again work with the National Peace Committee and other partners to promote peaceful elections, emphasizing that freedom and acceptance of peaceful expression remain essential alternatives to political violence.
The EU also called for greater inclusivity in the 2027 electoral process, with particular attention to women and persons with disabilities. It urged stakeholders to ensure that women are able to participate fully as candidates, political actors, electoral officials, civil society representatives, and voters. The same consideration should be extended to persons with disabilities to ensure that no category of Nigerians is excluded from the democratic process.
Key points
- The European Union supports INEC's efforts to deliver credible elections in Nigeria.
- The EU warns against violence and misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The EU calls for greater inclusivity in the electoral process, particularly for women and persons with disabilities.
