EU Mission urges judicial, constitutional reforms ahead of 2027 elections

By Kunle Sanni –

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has called for judicial and constitutional reforms as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a visit to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Thursday, the head of the delegation, Barry Andrews, said the mission’s visit was to review progress on the implementation of recommendations made after the 2023 polls.

In a report by The Cable on Wednesday, Andrews commended INEC for its cooperation and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy but noted that some reform areas still require long-term action.

“We have noted significant improvements in several areas, though some challenges remain, particularly those requiring judicial and constitutional reforms which take more time,” he said. “Our recommendations are made in line with international standards which Nigeria and many other countries have committed to. Election observation is part of a global effort to strengthen democracy, not only in Africa but also worldwide.”

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, welcomed the EU delegation, noting that it was the third follow-up mission after similar visits in 2017 and 2022.

Yakubu explained that out of the 23 recommendations made in the EU EOM’s 2023 report, eight were directed at INEC, with only one classified as a priority.

“The commission has carefully considered all the recommendations specifically addressed to us. We have already implemented those requiring administrative action and are working with other stakeholders on cross-cutting recommendations,” he said.

He added that the remaining 15 recommendations—five of them priority issues—fall under the purview of the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, and other stakeholders, including civil society groups and the media.