The European Union (EU) has cautioned that Nigeria may repeat the controversies and irregularities that marred the 2023 general elections unless comprehensive reforms are implemented swiftly.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament and former Chief Observer of the EU’s Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nigeria, warned:
“Unless these reforms are concluded within the next few months, there is a risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023.”
He described Nigeria’s progress on electoral reform as “modest at best, dangerously close to stagnation,” despite legislative movement on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 and a constitutional review process.
The EU EOM report on the 2023 polls highlighted failures including the non-functioning of INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), last-minute polling changes, vote buying, voter intimidation, and weak enforcement of electoral offence laws.
Of 23 priority recommendations made after 2023, only one has been fully implemented, two partially addressed, and the rest largely untouched, the EU noted.
The EU mission emphasized six urgent reforms Nigeria must adopt: merit-based appointments to INEC, a stable legal framework for the commission, stronger penalties and enforcement against electoral offenses, transparency in result publication, enhanced media freedom, and improved inclusion for women.
Without political will and timely action, the EU warned, Nigerians face the same disputes, mistrust, and legal challenges that undermined past elections.
