2023: EU Deploys Observation Mission to Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

In response to an invitation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the European Union (EU), has deployed an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nigeria to observe the general election scheduled for 25 February and 11 March, 2023.

A statement yesterday said the high representative of the union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, has appointed Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer for the EOM to Nigeria, recalling that the EU had previously deployed election observation missions to Nigeria for the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 elections.

Borrell was quoted in the statement as saying, “These elections will be crucial for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, and for the stability of the region. This is the sixth time that the EU deploys an election observation mission to Nigeria, reflecting our commitment to work together to consolidate democracy in the country.

“The elections are set to be competitive and will take place in a challenging security context. It is our hope that Nigerians will be able to cast their vote in a peaceful environment and that any challenges or disputes will be solved through dialogue or through available legal remedies.”

The Chief Observer Barry Andrews, on his part, said: “I am very pleased to have been entrusted with the responsibility for leading this EU Election Observation Mission. The mission is taking place during a period of time, when democracy around the globe is in decline.

“The forthcoming general elections is, therefore, not only a key moment in Nigeria’s democratic development but also important to the future of democracy in West Africa and the continent at large. I am looking forward to meeting with electoral stakeholders that are playing important roles in the ongoing electoral process.”

According to the statement, the EU EOM would provide a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on international and regional standards for democratic elections.

The Core Team of the EU EOM consists of 11 election experts, who would arrive in Abuja during the first half of January. Towards the end of January, 40 long-term observers would join the mission to be deployed across the country and follow the electoral campaign.

Thereafter, short-term observers from the EU diplomatic community as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland, would reinforce the mission during election day, adding that the EU EOM would remain in the country till the completion of the electoral process.  

In line with the EU election observation methodology, the mission would issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Abuja after the election day. The final report, which would include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, would be presented after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.