Civil Society Groups Urge INEC to Invite EU Observers

Prominent civil society organizations in Nigeria, including Youths United for Good Governance (YUGG) and Moses Okorie Development and Awareness Foundation (MODAF), have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to invite the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) and other international observers for the 2027 general elections. In a joint statement, signed by David Maxwell and Moses Okorie, the groups praised INEC for its early preparations and commitment to democratic reforms.

They noted the EU EOM's long-standing partnership with Nigeria, highlighting its role in enhancing public discourse and informing policy reforms. The organizations pointed out that international observer missions contribute to economic benefits for local communities, citing past deployments that created temporary jobs for Nigerians.

They asserted that inviting international observers would not compromise national sovereignty but demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to transparency and accountability. The coalition expressed optimism that INEC would extend formal invitations to qualified observer missions as part of its engagement process for the upcoming elections.