The European Union (EU) has delivered a blunt warning to Nigeria: the country’s democracy is at risk of sliding into crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections unless urgent electoral reforms are implemented without delay.
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.”
“Our evaluation indicates that progress in implementing the recommendations has been modest thus far, and it is in serious danger of falling to critically low levels,” Andrews said. “Avoiding this outcome will require political will from legislators and urgent, coordinated actions by relevant institutions.”
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 untouched, and three 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:
“INEC cannot operate on shifting ground,” Andrews stressed. “It needs a clear, stable legal framework well in advance of elections. Timing is everything.”
The Follow-Up Mission highlighted contradictions between manual and electronic collation of results, pointing to a recent Supreme Court ruling that both must now be applied.
Critics fear this dual system could re-open loopholes for manipulation.
Electoral impunity also loomed large. “Vote buying, violence and intimidation remain unchecked,” the mission said. “Prosecutions are so few 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.”
Responding to concerns about foreign interference, Andrews dismissed suggestions that the EU was imposing reforms on Nigeria.
“This is about democracy for Nigerians, not outsiders. Civil society has made these same demands. Nigeria itself has observed elections in Ireland. This is reciprocity, not intrusion.”
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 provide assistance, 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.”
Mignot clarified that occasional diplomatic visits to off-cycle elections should not be mistaken for full EU observation missions: “These are not missions with the same weight, expertise, or resources. Nigerians must understand the difference.”
The EU Follow-Up Mission will remain in Nigeria for a week before submitting its progress report and recommendations.
But its message was crystal clear: without sweeping reforms, the 2027 elections risk being mired in the same chaos, mistrust, and legal disputes that plagued 2023.