By BONIFACE AKARAH

The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has rejected reports that it declined an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, confirming instead that it will deploy an Electoral Expert Mission to the polls.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the EU Delegation said it received a formal invitation from INEC dated April 17, 2026, to deploy observers for the 2027 elections.

The delegation said it responded on July 28, thanking INEC for the invitation and informing the commission that the EU would field an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM) comprising between two and four independent experts, who would be formally accredited as observers by INEC.

The EU explained that the planned mission would assess Nigeria’s electoral process against the country’s international, regional and national obligations and commitments relating to democratic elections.

“An EEM, like an Electoral Observation Mission, assesses whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional and national obligations and commitments on the conduct of democratic elections to which the country has subscribed,” the delegation stated.

It said the mission would also produce a final report containing recommendations on improving Nigeria’s electoral framework and future electoral processes.

The EU specifically rejected reports that its decision was prompted by Nigeria’s worsening security situation or alleged hostile treatment of EU observers and officials following the publication of its 2023 election report.

“The two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure speculations,” the delegation said.

According to the EU, decisions on electoral missions are made annually for partner countries that invite the bloc, with the type of mission determined by the circumstances of each country and the resources available.

The delegation said Nigeria’s case was considered within that framework, leading to the decision to conduct an Electoral Expert Mission rather than a larger observation mission.

It added that the decision would be subject to further consultations with relevant Nigerian authorities over its implementation.

The EU also clarified that its decision concerning the 2027 electoral mission would not affect its wider democratic governance support in Nigeria.

“This decision does not affect in any way the continuation of the implementation of the EU-funded project ‘Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria’ including its dimension of support to the electoral process,” the delegation stated.

The EU-funded programme is expected to continue supporting democratic governance and the electoral process despite the nature and size of the mission planned for the 2027 elections.

The delegation further urged Nigerian media organisations to verify reports concerning EU positions directly with its press and communication office.

The EU said such verification would help prevent the publication of inaccurate reports about its decisions and official positions.

The clarification comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, with INEC engaging stakeholders ahead of the polls.

The statement was signed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.