The European Union, on Friday, raised the alarm that Nigeria is risking a recurrence of the shortcomings associated with the 2023 general election in 2027 if necessary reforms are not concluded before the polls.
A member of the European Parliament and former Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the 2023 polls, Barry Andrews, gave this warning during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
He declared that Nigeria’s progress on electoral reforms has been “modest at best, dangerously close to stagnation.”
According to Andrews, “The country’s democratic resilience depends on reforms that citizens can believe in, and while we welcome the legislative momentum seen in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review process, time is rapidly running out.
“Unless these reforms are concluded within the next few months, there is a risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023. We encourage all political actors to seize the momentum to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness and credibility in the 2027 elections.”
The EU Follow-Up Mission stated that of the 23 priority reforms proposed after Nigeria’s troubled 2023 elections, only one has been fully implemented.
It noted others are partially adopted, eight remain ongoing, nine are untouched, and three are too early to assess, warning that this lethargy threatens to derail preparations for 2027.
“Time is running out. The window is closing. Without real political will, Nigerians will face the same disputes, mistrust and chaos that plagued the last elections,” Andrews said.
EU has outlined six critical reforms that must be delivered well in advance of 2027. These include transparent INEC appointments, election results transparency, women’s representation, creation of an Independent Electoral Offences Commission to end impunity for vote-buying, violence, and intimidation, passage of the 2025 Electoral Act Amendment and constitutional reforms to give INEC a stable legal framework and media freedom and journalist protection.
“INEC cannot operate on shifting ground. It needs a clear, stable legal framework well in advance of elections. Timing is everything,” Andrews said.
He also warned that electoral impunity loomed large, adding, “Vote buying, violence and intimidation remain unchecked.
“Prosecutions are so few that they do nothing to deter criminal activity.”
Concerning freedom of the press, the EU demanded stronger protections.
“A free press is non-negotiable in any democracy. Journalists must be shielded, not silenced,” it stated.
In his own remarks, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that while the EU can assist, implementation rests squarely with Nigerian leaders.
“We are fully backing Nigeria through our democratic governance support programme. But these are recommendations that Nigeria must own. The credibility of your democracy depends on it.”
It was learnt that the EU Follow-Up Mission will remain in Nigeria for one week before submitting its progress report and recommendations.
