Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to improving Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku stated this on Thursday when he met with a European Union (EU) delegation led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European parliament and head of the 2023 EU election observation mission to Nigeria.

The former presidential candidate said the visit was a follow-up on the mission’s recommendations after the last elections.

“It is worrisome that two years down the line, we are yet to see indications that INEC is committed to an improved electoral process,” Atiku said in a statement via X on Friday.

“Expectations are high that the Independent National Electoral Commission will urgently work with the National Assembly to give citizens election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts.”

Atiku stressed that Nigerians are eager for reforms that will ensure free, fair, and transparent polls, adding that only credible elections can safeguard democracy and produce leaders capable of uniting the country and driving economic growth.

The former presidential candidate reiterated his support for civil society groups and international observer missions advocating electoral reforms.

“Meanwhile, we shall continue to support efforts by CSOs, local and foreign Election Observations Missions (EOMs), including the EU-EOM, that will lead to genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General elections.

“We believe that only through credible elections shall we safeguard our democracy and recruit leaders that will ensure unity and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he added. (Daily trust)