The European Union has confirmed its decision to deploy an Electoral Expert Mission to Nigeria for the 2027 general elections, dismissing reports that it rejected an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS described the reports as inaccurate, stressing that it had formally accepted INEC’s invitation to participate in the electoral process.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
According to the statement, INEC invited the EU on April 17, 2026, to deploy observers for the 2027 elections.
The EU said it responded on July 28, thanking INEC for the invitation and notifying the commission that it would send an Electoral Expert Mission comprising two to four independent experts, who would be accredited as observers by INEC.
The mission, the EU explained, would assess the conduct of the electoral process against Nigeria’s international, regional and national commitments on democratic elections.
It would also produce a final report containing recommendations aimed at strengthening the electoral framework and improving future elections.
The EU specifically denied reports that its decision not to deploy a larger observation mission was due to worsening insecurity in Nigeria or alleged hostility towards its observers and officials following the release of its final report on the 2023 general elections.
“These are pure speculations,” the delegation said, noting that the alleged reasons did not appear in its letter to INEC.
The EU explained that it makes annual decisions on electoral missions to partner countries that extend invitations, taking into account the circumstances of each country and available resources.
It added that the decision to conduct an Electoral Expert Mission in Nigeria would be further discussed with relevant Nigerian authorities.
The delegation further stated that the decision would have no impact on the implementation of the EU-funded Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria project, including its electoral support component.
The EU urged members of the media to verify reports concerning its positions or official statements with its Press and Communication Office to avoid publishing misleading information.
