European Union cautions Nigerian politicians against interfering with electoral agency’s activities
ABUJA, Nigeria (The Informant247) – The European Union has cautioned politicians in Nigeria against interfering in the activities of the country’s electoral commission ahead of the forthcoming February general election.
The organization noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) must be allowed to operate free from outside pressure.
Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Samuela Isopi, speaking at the official closure of Phase I and launch of Phase II of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) on Monday in Abuja, also cautioned politicians to reduce hate speeches and any form of behaviour that may have negative effects on the outcome of the 2023 poll.
The EU-SDGN programme was launched to contribute to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria by supporting the government and key stakeholders, including the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), national assembly, political parties, judiciary, media, Civil Society Organisations and security agencies.
While Phase I of the programme implemented from 2017 to 2022, coincided with the 2015-2019 and 2019-2023 electoral cycles, Phase II, from 2022 to 2027, will cover the 2023-2027 electoral cycle.
Isopi, noting that the 2023 elections was a pivotal moment in the history of the country, maintained that Nigeria has the responsibility to lead and inspire other democracies on the continent.
According to her, the organisation has contributed about €150 million in improving Nigeria’s electoral system since the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999, adding that about €39 million will be spent on the second phase of the EU-SDGN programme.
She said, “As the largest democracy in Africa, elections in Nigeria matter. They matter to Nigeria and Nigerians, they also matter for Africa as their outcome will be watched and felt well beyond its borders. Nigeria has the responsibility to lead and inspire other democracies on the continent six months ahead of the 2023 General Election, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in the process.
“Who wins the elections is for the Nigerian people to decide. As a longstanding partner, the EU shares Nigeria’s interest to see a solid process leading to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
“We would like all Nigerian voters to peacefully and freely cast their vote to choose their leaders and contribute to strengthening their country’s democracy and good governance.
“We are particularly keen to see greater participation of youth, women and people with disabilities.
“The mobilisation we have been witnessing across the country, especially among the youth to register in view of next elections is a strong sign. it is a message from the Nigerians, from the youth in particular, that they believe in democracy.
“It is also a sign of trust in the electoral process that has made tremendous progress over the past few years and months, thanks to the reforms and the technical innovations introduced by INEC to make elections more transparent and more credible, and to reassure voters that their vote count and will be respected.”
She announced the launch of 39million euros to support democratic governance in Nigeria.
