EU Mission Urges Nigeria to Implement Judicial and Constitutional Reforms Ahead of 2027 Elections

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has renewed calls for judicial and constitutional reforms in Nigeria as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.

Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament and head of the EU Mission to Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, led a delegation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Andrews commended INEC’s commitment to strengthening democracy but noted that challenges persist. “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.

He added that the EU’s recommendations are based on international standards to which Nigeria is a signatory. “Election observation is part of a global effort to strengthen democracy, not only in Africa but worldwide,” he stressed.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in response, urged the National Assembly to fast-track amendments to the Electoral Act. He warned that delays in electoral reforms could affect preparations for 2027. “An early passage of law is critical to our planning. Uncertainty over the legal framework can unsettle the work of the Commission,” Yakubu said.

Yakubu disclosed that out of 23 recommendations made by the EU after the 2023 elections, only eight directly concern INEC, with the rest falling under the responsibilities of the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, civil society, and the media. INEC, he said, has already implemented internal reforms and awaits legislative action.

The INEC boss also announced plans to invite international observer groups — including the EU, Commonwealth, AU, and ECOWAS — for the 2027 polls.

Meanwhile, civil society organisations, political stakeholders, and reform advocates have echoed similar demands. They are pushing for amendments to strengthen INEC’s independence, guarantee electronic transmission of results, create an Electoral Offences Tribunal, and streamline judicial handling of election disputes.

Calls have also been made to reform the process of appointing INEC leadership to reduce executive influence, while advocacy groups like SERAP have urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure transparency in the appointment of Prof. Yakubu’s successor when his tenure ends in 2025.

The EU mission’s visit is a follow-up to its recommendations after the 2023 elections, keeping the pressure on Nigerian authorities to implement key reforms ahead of 2027.