Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about what he perceives as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) lack of dedication to improving Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, Atiku emphasized the high expectations for INEC to work closely with the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws to ensure credible elections.
Atiku also revealed that he met with a European Union delegation led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament and head of the 2023 EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, along with the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot. The meeting focused on following up on recommendations made by the EU after the 2023 elections.
He stressed that credible elections are vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and producing leaders who can unite the country and drive economic growth.
He said:
“Yesterday evening, I received a high-powered European Union delegation, including the Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Gautier Mignot.
The delegation, led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament and Head of the 2023 EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, engaged in broad conversations about the future of Nigerian elections.
This visit is a follow-up mission to assess the implementation of recommendations made after the 2023 general elections.
Expectations are high that INEC will urgently collaborate with the National Assembly to provide election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections where every vote counts.
It is worrisome that two years later, there are still no clear signs that INEC is committed to improving the electoral process.
Meanwhile, we continue to support efforts by civil society organizations and local and international Election Observation Missions, including the EU-EOM, toward genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
We believe that only through credible elections can we safeguard our democracy and elect leaders who will ensure Nigeria’s unity and economic prosperity.”
About The Author
