The European Union (EU) has warned that Nigeria is at risk of experiencing the shortcomings associated with the 2023 general election in 2027 if reforms are not concluded before the polls.

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Barry Andrews, member of the European Parliament and former Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the 2023 polls, declared that Nigeria’s progress on electoral reforms has been “modest at best, dangerously close to stagnation.”

“The country’s democratic resilience depends on reforms that citizens can believe in, and while we welcome the legislative momentum seen in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review process, time is rapidly running out.

“Unless these reforms are concluded within the next few months, there is a risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023. We encourage all political actors to seize the momentum to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness and credibility in the 2027 elections.”

According to the EU Follow-Up Mission, of the 23 priority reforms proposed after Nigeria’s troubled 2023 elections, only one has been fully implemented.

Two others are partially adopted, eight remain ongoing, nine are untouched, and three are too early to assess, warning that this lethargy threatens to derail preparations for 2027.

“Time is running out. The window is closing. Without real political will, Nigerians will face the same disputes, mistrust and chaos that plagued the last elections,” Andrews cautioned.

The EU outlined six critical reforms that must be delivered well in advance of 2027: transparent INEC appointments, election results transparency, women’s representation, creation of an Independent Electoral Offences Commission to end impunity for vote-buying, violence, and intimidation, passage of the 2025 Electoral Act Amendment and constitutional reforms to give INEC a stable legal framework and media freedom and journalist protection.

“INEC cannot operate on shifting ground,” Andrews stressed, adding, “It needs a clear, stable legal framework well in advance of elections. Timing is everything.”

Electoral impunity also loomed large. “Vote buying, violence and intimidation remain unchecked,” the mission said. “Prosecutions are so few that they do nothing to deter criminal activity.”

On media freedoms, the EU demanded stronger protections: “A free press is non-negotiable in any democracy. Journalists must be shielded, not silenced.”

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, in his closing remark, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that while the EU can assist, implementation rests squarely with Nigerian leaders.

“We are fully backing Nigeria through our democratic governance support programme,” he said. “But these are recommendations that Nigeria must own. The credibility of your democracy depends on it.”

The EU Follow-Up Mission will remain in Nigeria for a week before submitting its progress report and recommendations. (Daily Trust, excluding headline)

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