The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has warned that Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible and widely accepted general elections in 2027 depends on the timely completion of constitutional and electoral reforms.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Head of the EU Follow-Up Mission, Barry Andrews, said progress on implementing recommendations from the 2023 elections has been “modest” and risks falling to “critically low levels” unless urgent political and administrative action is taken.
According to Andrews, of the 23 recommendations made by the EU Mission after the 2023 elections, only one has been fully implemented, two partially, eight are ongoing, three are still too early to determine, while nine remain unimplemented.
He noted that 11 of the recommendations require legal changes, while 12 are administrative. Andrews praised the legislature’s efforts on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review but warned that “time is running out.” “Nigeria’s democratic strength depends on reforms that citizens can believe in,” he said. “Political will, more than technical drafting, will determine whether these reforms succeed.”
The EU Mission highlighted six priority areas for reform, including:
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Transparent appointment of the next INEC Chairperson to restore public confidence.
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Greater transparency in the results management process, including real-time publication of polling unit and collation results.
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Improved representation of women, noting that only 4% of National Assembly members are female.
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Accountability for electoral offences, through stronger prosecution and establishment of an independent Electoral Offences Commission.
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Legal clarity and stability to avoid confusion close to elections.
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Protection of media freedom and journalists, to ensure informed public participation and safeguard democracy.
Andrews emphasized that Nigerians themselves—through INEC, civil society, and the EU’s independent observation—are all calling for similar reforms, describing the alignment as “a powerful signal of national consensus.”
He urged both the legislature and relevant institutions to act swiftly to ensure that reforms are concluded well ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Unless these reforms are fast-tracked and concluded soon, there is a real risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023,” Andrews cautioned.
The EU Mission reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process and urged all political actors to demonstrate the will to strengthen transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in future elections.
