By Muhammad Mamman
The European Union has warned that Nigeria risks a repeat of the irregularities and controversies that tainted the 2023 general elections unless urgent and comprehensive reforms are concluded well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament and former Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nigeria, said progress on reforms remains “modest at best, dangerously close to stagnation.”
He cautioned that unless the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 and constitutional review are finalised soon, the country could face “the same disputes, mistrust, and chaos that plagued the last elections.”
The EU mission noted that of its 23 priority recommendations after the 2023 polls, only one has been fully implemented, while most remain untouched. Key reforms include transparent appointments to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stronger protection for journalists, an Electoral Offences Commission, and guaranteed transparency of results.
“Time is running out. The window is closing,” Andrews warned, urging Nigeria’s leaders to show the political will to safeguard credibility, inclusiveness and transparency in 2027.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the bloc’s support but stressed that “the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on reforms that only Nigerians can own and deliver.”
