EU Denies Pulling Out of Nigeria’s 2027 Election Observation
The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has denied reports that it is withdrawing from
observing Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, clarifying that it will instead deploy an Electoral Expert
Mission (EEM).
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Gautier Mignot,
the delegation expressed surprise at media reports claiming it had written to the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) declining an invitation to observe the polls.
The reports had cited worsening insecurity and alleged hostile treatment of EU observers and officials
after the publication of its final report on the 2023 general election.
“The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has noted with surprise inaccurate press
reports published today stating that it had sent a letter to the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) declining an invitation to observe the 2027 polls in Nigeria and citing in the
correspondence two reasons for this decision: the worsening security situation across the country and
the hostile treatment of its observers and officials after the publication of its final report on the 2023
general election,” the statement said.
The EU confirmed that it received a formal invitation from INEC dated April 17, 2026, to deploy
observers for the 2027 elections.
In its response dated July 28, 2026, the delegation thanked INEC and informed the commission that it
would field an Electoral Expert Mission comprising two to four independent experts, who would be
formally accredited as observers by INEC.
“The two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure
speculations,” the EU emphasised.
An EEM, like a full Electoral Observation Mission, assesses whether the electoral process aligns with
international, regional and national standards for democratic elections.
The mission will produce a final report with recommendations on improving the electoral framework
and future processes. The report will be shared with the Nigerian government and, with its agreement,
may be made public.
The EU noted that it decides annually on electoral missions to partner countries based on individual
circumstances and available resources.
The decision to deploy an EEM to Nigeria does not affect the continuation of the EU-funded project
“Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria,” including its electoral support component.
The clarification followed earlier reports suggesting the EU would end more than two decades of full-
scale election observation missions in Nigeria.
The bloc has previously deployed observation missions for Nigeria’s elections in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015,
2019 and 2023.
The EU also urged journalists to verify reports concerning its positions directly with its press and
communication office.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
