In a renewed call to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, the European Union Electoral Observer Mission (EU EOM) has cautioned that the country is running against time to implement critical reforms necessary for credible and widely accepted polls.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Head of the EU Follow-Up Electoral Observer Mission, Barry Andrews, said urgent action is required to fast-track ongoing electoral and constitutional reforms if Nigeria is to meet global standards and restore public confidence in its election system.
“Nigeria must accelerate reforms to its electoral and constitutional frameworks to ensure that the 2027 general elections are credible and accepted by all stakeholders,” Andrews stated. “Timely implementation of these reforms is crucial to strengthen voter confidence and enhance transparency in the process.”
The EU mission, which is currently in Nigeria on a follow-up visit after the 2023 elections, noted that progress on previously recommended reforms has been slow.
According to Andrews, only one out of the 23 recommendations made to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the 2023 polls has been fully implemented.
He explained that while two recommendations have been partially implemented, eight are ongoing, three are still too early to assess, and nine have not been implemented at all.
Andrews commended Nigeria’s National Assembly for the amendments made so far to the Electoral Act (2025) and the ongoing constitutional review process, but stressed that time is fast running out for meaningful impact ahead of the next election cycle.
“Nigeria’s democratic resilience depends on reforms that citizens can trust,” he emphasized. “The window for achieving credible and inclusive elections in 2027 is closing, and now is the moment for decisive action.”
The EU reiterated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions in implementing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and the integrity of future elections.
About the Author
