The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has commended Nigeria for the remarkable progress made in electoral reform since the 2023 general election.
The Chief Observer, EU EOM, Barry Andrews, gave the recommendations during his visit to the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Thursday.
Barry Andrews, who was the EU Chief Observer to Nigeria’s 2023 general election, said the purpose of his visit is to assess progress made in implementing the EU recommendations contained in the final report of the 2023 mission.
“It is a great honor to be back in Nigeria. I was appointed as the Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission by the High Representative and Vice President, Josep Borrell, in 2023, following an invitation from INEC to the European Union to establish an election observation mission for the 2023 general elections.
“In terms of scale—both financially and in personnel—the 2023 mission was one of the largest EU Election Observation Missions ever deployed.
“This reflects not only the strength of the relationship between the European Union and Nigeria but also Nigeria’s significance, both regionally and internationally. We were delighted to accept the invitation, as we have done for every general election in Nigeria since 1999”, he said.
He stated further that the follow-up visit is part of the traditional cycle of election observation, disclosing that his team has been in Nigeria for the past three weeks and will remain for another week.
“Our task is to assess progress made in implementing the recommendations contained in the final report of the 2023 mission.
“We are pleased to note that there has been significant progress in several areas.
“We also recognize the challenges, particularly regarding judicial, administrative, and constitutional reforms, which take more time.
“However, our recommendations are made in line with international standards, which Nigeria and many other countries have committed to. Election observation is part of a global effort to strengthen and support democracy, not only in Africa but also worldwide, including in Europe” Andrews added.
Speaking further, the Chief Observer explained, “As an Irishman, I can also note that Nigeria has sent election observers to Ireland during our presidential elections. We welcomed their constructive observations, and we are here in that same spirit of cooperation.
“INEC has conducted its own review of the 2023 elections, and we look forward to hearing its assessment of the recommendations and the steps taken since then.
“Some areas require legislative action, and we are keen to learn about the progress achieved as well as any obstacles—particularly around constitutional reforms, which are understandably more complex.
Andrews said the EU is also interested in hearing about the conduct of the off-cycle governorship elections from 2023 and any improvements that were applied in those contexts.
“Furthermore, transparency in the publication of results was a key recommendation, and we hope to hear what measures have been taken or are planned to strengthen that process”, he concluded.
Welcoming the EU team, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the Commission has carefully considered all the 8 recommendations specifically addressed to it in their report.
“Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement”.
He assured the EU of continued engagement, saying the Commission will soon send out invitations to them as well as the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS for the 2027 General Election.