By Joy Odor
The new European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot on a renewed visit to the National Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Tuesday discuss ways to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and governance between both countries.
The meeting between the EU Ambassador and the INEC Chairman demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development and governance.
Welcoming the Ambassador, INEC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s readiness to partner with the Union, explaining that since 2023 General Election, the Commission has received reports from many of the 206 national and foreign groups and international organisations accredited to observe the elections, including your European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM).
According to Yakubu, INEC is the first agency the new EU is visiting in Nigeria since his formal assumption of duty on 24th January 2025 which further affirmations the long-standing relationship between the EU and the Commission.
The INEC Chairman cleared the rumours of EU sponsoring INEC activities, noting that the Commission does not receive direct funding and we do not have an account into which donor funds are warehoused.
He mentioned that the EU and other development partners provide indirect support in areas such as the publication of reports, retreats, engagement with stakeholders, as well as consultancy and technical support services in various areas, through the implementing partners selected and appointed by them.
Prof Yakubu affirmed that the support does not involve any direct funding of core electoral activities of the Commission such as voter registration, production of PVCs, training and remuneration of ad hoc staff, electoral logistics, and the procurement of sensitive materials, including election technology.
He was of the opinion that the Commission has been enjoying the union’s support since the restoration of democracy two decades ago.
The INEC Chairman commended the EU for its contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, which highlights the importance of international cooperation in promoting democratic governance and strengthening institutions.
“We worked very closely with your predecessors and we look forward to sustaining the same relationship with you to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
“We welcome the EU’s assurance of continuous engagement and collaboration with the Commission as we approach the third phase of the European Union-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) under which funding support is provided to several institutions and groups that play a role in democracy and governance in Nigeria from INEC to the National Assembly, the judiciary, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the National Peace Committee.
“These activities remain the sovereign responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria”, Yakubu clarified.
In his remark, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, said Nigeria has a vibrant democracy, pointing out that the EU believes in democracy as the best way to organize relationships in the society and citizens
“And for us, it is a key part of the democracy, the basis of the democracy we have in our country. Because we both. We are the most efficient, the most respectful for human rights and fundamental freedom, the way of organizing our societies.
“Without a credible electoral system enjoying the trust of the citizens and the stakeholders, there can’t be a good democracy.
“This is why the European Union is very happy and honored to have a very long and very strong cooperation with the country in general, with the UN in particular, on these matters, on electoral matters in particular.
“This cooperation is based on respect for each other’s sovereignty. We are not here to teach lessons or to dictate what you have to do, just to bring some of our experience, learn from you, and bring some expertise.
“We are in the middle of a project of support to democracy and governance in Nigeria with the 19 million euros and more cooperation we need, I think”, Mr Gautier said.
