The Federal Government has asked the European Union for assistance in its efforts to strengthen democratic practises, particularly those that relate to the country’s electoral systems.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made the plea while hosting a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission, led by Barry Andrews, as its Chief Observer, in his office.
According to a statement by OSGF Director of Information Willie Bassey, the SGF stated that Nigeria’s electoral processes had significantly improved over the years, while also pleading with the EU for assistance in building on the progress already made.
“The SGF thanked the EU Observation Mission for taking part in the general elections across the nation in 2023 and emphasised the significance of using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in the electoral process, which was a game changer during the elections.
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The statement continued, “Akume noted that the nation made significant progress in the general elections of 2023 and called on the EU to continue to support such progress made to advance democratic principles in the nation.
The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Andrews, stated earlier that the EU report includes six priority recommendations.
He revealed that the EU EOM would visit Nigeria for a follow-up mission in two years to speak with the country’s authorities about the progress being made in implementing its recommendations.
Samuela Isopi, the European Union’s ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, also made a statement, stating that her country’s return to democracy had received support from the EU, which had been collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission and other important stakeholders to strengthen democracy.
