EU election mission seeks constitutional, judicial reforms ahead of 2027

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has called for judicial and constitutional reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.

Barry Andrews, who led the EU EOM delegation, spoke during a visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

The visit marks a follow-up assessment on the implementation of recommendations made after Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

In his remarks, Andrews said the mission’s task is to assess the progress made in electoral reforms since the last general elections.

He commended INEC for its cooperation and dedication to strengthening democracy in Nigeria but said some challenges still remain.

“We have noted significant improvements in several areas, though some challenges remain, particularly those requiring judicial, and constitutional reforms which take more time,” he said.

“However, our recommendations are made in line with international standards, which Nigeria and many other countries have committed to. Election observation is part of a global effort to strengthen and support democracy, not only in Africa but also worldwide, including in Europe.”

Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, welcomed the delegation, noting that this is the third EU follow-up mission, following similar visits in 2017 and 2022.

He said that out of the 23 recommendations made in the EU EOM’s 2023 report, eight were directly addressed to INEC, only one of which was classified as a priority.

“The commission has carefully considered all the recommendations specifically addressed to us. We have already implemented those requiring administrative action and are working with other stakeholders on cross-cutting recommendations,” he said.

“The remaining 15 (65.2%) recommendations, of which five were categorised as priority, require action by other entities in the executive, legislature and the judiciary as well as political parties and multiple stakeholders such as civil society organisations, the media and professional bodies.”

Yakubu said INEC has also prepared a detailed response to each recommendation, adding that the commission’s internal review of the 2023 elections produced 142 reform recommendations, many of which align with those from international observers.