The European Union, EU, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that its role would remain focused on technical assistance, institutional strengthening and capacity building rather than interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 Europe Day in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot
said the union would continue to support democratic governance initiatives involving key electoral stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, political parties, the National Assembly and the media.
The envoy said the EU had consistently supported democracy and electoral reforms in Nigeria through its Support to Democratic Governance programme, aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of elections.
According to the ambassador, preparations for the 2027 polls would build on recommendations made by previous EU Election Observation Missions and expert reports submitted after earlier elections.
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“We will continue doing what we have been doing consistently, which is trying to reinforce capacities, trying to help reforms and improve the system little by little over the years,” the envoy stated.
Responding to concerns raised by journalists over electoral violence, low voter turnout and the non-implementation of recommendations from previous election observers, the ambassador insisted that the responsibility for conducting credible elections ultimately rests with Nigerian authorities.
“I think your question has to be directed to Nigerian authorities in charge of organising elections. It is a sovereign responsibility of Nigerian authorities,” the envoy said.
The ambassador stressed that the EU was not in Nigeria to impose sanctions, issue “yellow cards or red cards,” or dictate the country’s political direction, but rather to support ongoing reforms where requested.
The envoy also disclosed that the EU’s intervention would not primarily involve direct funding of elections but would focus more on technical assistance, institutional support and training for electoral stakeholders.
On media participation, the ambassador noted that journalists remained an important component of the EU’s democratic governance support framework and would continue to benefit from engagement programmes under the initiative.
The envoy, however, said it was still too early to outline specific activities or financial commitments for the 2027 elections.
Concerns over Nigeria’s democratic future and fears of a possible drift toward a one-party state were also raised during the interaction, but the ambassador maintained that assessing Nigeria’s political direction remained the responsibility of Nigerians themselves.
The EU representative added that a follow-up mission on recommendations from the 2023 elections had already been conducted, while attention was now focused on further implementation of electoral reforms and strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.
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