2023: INEC must be allowed to operate without pressure, EU cautions politicians

Says €150m spent on Nigeria’s elections in 24 years

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the European Union (EU) has warned politicians against interfering with activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the umpire must be allowed to operate free from external pressure.

It also cautioned against hate speech and forms of behaviour that may mar outcome of the polls. Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Samuela Isopi, gave the advice at the official closure of the Phase I and launch of Phase II of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) in Abuja, yesterday.

The EU-SDGN programme was launched to contribute to reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria by supporting the government and key stakeholders, including electoral management bodies (EMBs), National Assembly, political parties, judiciary, media, civil society organisations and security agencies.

While Phase I of the programme (2017 to 2022) coincided with the 2015-2019 and 2019-2023 electoral cycles, Phase II (2022 to 2027) will cover the 2023-2027 electoral cycle.

Noting that the 2023 elections is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, Isopi said the country has the responsibility to lead and inspire other democracies on the continent.

She said, although who wins is for the Nigerian people to decide, the EU will continue to share the country’s interest on peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

According to her, the organisation has contributed about €150 million towards Nigeria’s electoral system, since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

She added that about €39 million will be spent on the second phase of the EU-SDGN programme. Isopi said: “As the largest democracy in Africa, elections in Nigeria matter. They matter to Nigeria and Nigerians. They also matter for Africa, as their outcome will be watched and felt well beyond its borders.

“We would like all Nigerian voters to peacefully and freely cast their vote to choose their leaders and contribute to strengthening their country’s democracy and good governance. We are particularly keen to see greater participation of youth, women and people with disabilities.”

In his remarks, chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, noted that the core costs of Nigeria’s electoral activities, including acquisition of sensitive and non-sensitive materials for all elections, remain the sovereign responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He, however, applauded the support of international development partners to enhance training and capacity building of officials and stakeholder engagement for peaceful election.