EU Election Mission Visits INEC, Applauds Progress, Urges More Reforms Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday received a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) led by Chief Observer Mr. Barry Andrews at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit reviewed progress on recommendations made after Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

Mr. Andrews, a Member of the European Parliament, commended INEC’s cooperation, noting improvements since 2023 but stressing the need for further judicial and constitutional reforms.

Prof. Yakubu said this is the third follow-up mission hosted by the Commission, after similar visits in 2017 and 2022. Of the 23 recommendations in the EU EOM’s 2023 report, he explained, eight were directed at INEC, with only one marked as priority. “We have implemented those requiring administrative action and are working with other stakeholders on cross-cutting issues,” he said.

Yakubu noted INEC had also conducted its internal review, producing 142 reform proposals, many aligned with international observers’ recommendations. However, he warned that progress depends on timely legislative reforms, adding: “Uncertainty over the legal framework unsettles preparations as elections draw nearer.”

He assured that INEC would soon invite international observers, including the EU, AU, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth, ahead of the 2027 polls.

Both INEC and the EU delegation pledged continued collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.