Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) apparent lack of commitment to improving the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement, Atiku emphasized the need for INEC to collaborate with the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws and ensure credible polls.
Atiku’s statement follows a meeting with a European Union delegation, led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament and head of the 2023 EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria. The meeting was a follow-up on recommendations made by the EU after the 2023 general elections. According to Atiku, the delegation’s visit aimed to assess the level of implementation of these recommendations.
Atiku stressed that credible elections are essential for safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring the emergence of leaders capable of uniting the country and driving economic prosperity. He noted that expectations remain high for INEC to work with the National Assembly to provide citizens with election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections.
The former Vice President expressed concern that, two years after the 2023 general elections, there are no indications that INEC is committed to improving the electoral process. He reiterated his support for efforts by civil society organizations, local and foreign election observation missions, including the EU Election Observation Mission, to push for genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s concerns highlight the importance of electoral reforms in Nigeria, where the conduct of free and fair elections is crucial for the country’s democratic development. With the 2027 general elections approaching, the need for INEC to demonstrate its commitment to improving the electoral process is becoming increasingly urgent. The international community, including the European Union, is watching Nigeria’s electoral process closely, and the outcome of the 2027 elections is likely to have significant implications for the country’s future.
