The European Union delegation in Nigeria has dismissed reports that it rejected an invitation to observe the 2027 general elections due to security concerns. According to a statement by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, the EU will send an Electoral Expert Mission to assess whether Nigeria's electoral process is conducted in line with international and regional commitments.
The clarification came after media reports alleged that the EU had declined an invitation to observe Nigeria's 2027 elections due to security challenges and concerns arising from the aftermath of its observations of the 2023 general election. The reports claimed the EU was hesitant to send observers due to a worsening security situation and alleged hostility towards its observers.
However, the EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, explained that the EU received a formal invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 17, 2026, to observe the elections and responded on July 28, 2026, thanking the commission for the invitation. Mignot clarified that the EU had not declined the invitation but had instead informed the electoral body of its decision to deploy an Electoral Expert Mission, composed of two to four independent experts.
According to Mignot, the mission will assess whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional, and national obligations and commitments on the conduct of democratic elections to which Nigeria has subscribed. The mission will submit a final report with recommendations on how to improve the electoral framework and future electoral processes.
The EU also urged media organisations to verify information relating to the EU through its press and communication office before publication to avoid the dissemination of misleading reports.
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Gautier Mignot is the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS. He has been in the position since 2022, working to strengthen the partnership between the EU and Nigeria in areas such as trade, investment, and democracy.
The EU's decision to send an Electoral Expert Mission to Nigeria is in line with its commitment to supporting democratic processes in partner countries.
The mission will be made up of two to four independent experts, who will assess the electoral process and submit a final report with recommendations.
The EU has been working with Nigeria's electoral commission to strengthen the electoral process and ensure that it is conducted in line with international standards.
The mission's final report will be shared with the government and, if agreed upon, released to the wider public.
Electoral Expert Mission (EEM) is a team of experts sent by the EU to assess the electoral process in partner countries. They evaluate whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional, and national commitments.
The EU-funded project 'Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria' supports the development of democratic institutions in Nigeria. The project includes a dimension of support to the electoral process.
The EU's decision to send an Electoral Expert Mission to Nigeria does not affect the continuation of the implementation of the EU-funded project 'Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria'.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is responsible for conducting elections in Nigeria. It is an independent body that ensures the electoral process is conducted fairly and transparently.
The commission has been working with the EU to strengthen the electoral process and ensure that it is conducted in line with international standards.
Nigeria's 2027 general elections will be held in 2027. The elections will be conducted in accordance with the country's electoral laws and international commitments.
The EU's decision to send an Electoral Expert Mission to observe Nigeria's 2027 elections demonstrates its commitment to supporting democratic processes in partner countries.
The mission's final report will be shared with the government and, if agreed upon, released to the wider public.
The EU has been working with Nigeria's electoral commission to strengthen the electoral process and ensure that it is conducted in line with international standards.
Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria is a project funded by the EU to support the development of democratic institutions in Nigeria. The project includes a dimension of support to the electoral process.
The EU's decision to send an Electoral Expert Mission to Nigeria does not affect the continuation of the implementation of the project.
The mission will assess whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional, and national obligations and commitments on the conduct of democratic elections to which Nigeria has subscribed.
The mission will submit a final report with recommendations on how to improve the electoral framework and future electoral processes.