European Union Election Observation Mission Condemns Pre-election Violence

Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has condemned the recent acts of severe and coordinated incidents of violence, in particular the recent assassination of the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, Chief Oyibo Chukwu and his personal aide associated with politics in Nigeria.

In a press statement yesterday, EU EOM Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, urged Nigerian authorities to hold those responsible to account.
He called on all electoral stakeholders to engage in a manner that reflects the spirit of the Peace Accord signed on 22 February – on election day and in the days that follow as votes are counted and tabulated, and results are announced.

Andrews said: “Furthermore, we urge security agencies to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure an enabling environment for peaceful elections.”
He said the EU EOM has been following the preparations for the 25 February general elections, including the just concluded campaign activities and the conduct of political parties and candidates as well as other stakeholders.

He advised that: “Any concerns about the conduct of the elections or its outcome should be channeled through designated election tribunals and courts as provided for in the laws of Nigeria
“The EU EOM will continue to observe the electoral process, including the transparency of the election administration, the impartiality of security agencies, and the independence of the judiciary.”
The EU Election Observation Mission has been deployed by the European Union upon an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).