The European Union, EU, has accepted an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, but will deploy a smaller Electoral Expert Mission, EEM, rather than a full-scale election observation mission.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the EEM would comprise two to four independent experts accredited by INEC to assess the electoral process and make recommendations on future elections.
Mignot disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, dismissing reports that the EU had rejected INEC’s invitation to monitor the elections as inaccurate.
According to the ambassador, INEC formally invited the EU on April 17, 2026, to deploy observers for the 2027 general elections, while the EU responded to the invitation on July 28.
“In its response dated 28 July 2026, this Delegation thanked INEC for its kind invitation and informed that the EU will field an Electoral Expert Mission composed of two to four independent experts, who will formally be accredited as observers with INEC,” Mignot said.
He explained that the EEM would assess whether Nigeria’s electoral process complied with international, regional and national obligations and commitments relating to democratic elections.
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The mission would also prepare a final report containing recommendations on strengthening the electoral framework and improving future electoral processes.
“The report will be shared with the government, and if they agree, it can also be released to the wider public,” he said.
Mignot also dismissed reports that the decision not to deploy a larger electoral observation mission was linked to Nigeria’s worsening security situation or alleged hostile treatment of EU observers and officials following the publication of its final report on the 2023 general elections.
“The EU Delegation further underlines that the two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure speculations,” he said.
The ambassador explained that the EU reviews electoral missions to partner countries annually, considering the circumstances in each country and available resources before deciding whether to deploy a mission and determining the appropriate type.
He said the decision to conduct an EEM in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections was made on that basis, adding that consultations with relevant Nigerian authorities would continue on its implementation.
Mignot further clarified that the deployment of the EEM would not affect the continuation of the EU-funded Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria project, including its support for the country’s electoral process.
Daily Trust
