…as Ambassador Mignot say reports citing insecurity and hostility towards EU observers as reasons are “pure speculations”
By Gloria Ikibah
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has dismissed reports that it rejected an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, describing the reports as inaccurate and speculative. 
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the delegation had accepted an invitation from INEC and will deploy an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM) comprising between two and four independent experts to the country for the elections.
Mignot, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said the EU received a formal invitation from INEC dated April 17, 2026, to deploy observers for the 2027 general elections.
He explained that the EU responded to the invitation on July 28, thanking INEC and confirming its decision to send an Electoral Expert Mission.
The clarification followed reports claiming that the EU had declined INEC’s invitation because of the deteriorating security situation in the country and alleged hostile treatment of its observers and officials following the publication of its final report on the 2023 general election.
Mignot, however, said neither of the reasons cited in the reports was contained in the EU’s response to INEC.
“The EU Delegation further underlines that the two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure speculations,” he said.
The ambassador explained that the EU’s Electoral Expert Mission will be formally accredited as observers by INEC and will assess the electoral process against Nigeria’s international, regional and national obligations relating to democratic elections.
“An EEM, like an Electoral Observation Mission, assesses whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional and national obligations and commitments on the conduct of democratic elections to which the country has subscribed,” Mignot added.
He noted that the mission will submit a final report containing recommendations on ways to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework and future electoral processes.
“The EEM submits a final report with recommendations on how to improve the electoral framework and future electoral processes, the report will be shared with the government, and if they agree, it can also be released to the wider public,” he said.
Mignot explained that the EU reviews requests from partner countries each year before deciding whether to deploy an electoral mission and determining the appropriate type of mission based on the circumstances of each country and available resources.
He emphasised that the decision to deploy the expert mission will not affect the EU’s wider support for democratic governance and electoral development in Nigeria.
“It is on this basis that the decision to conduct an EEM in Nigeria has been taken and will be further consulted with the relevant Nigerian authorities for its implementation.
“This decision does not affect in any way the continuation of the implementation of the EU-funded project ‘Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria’ including its dimension of support to the electoral process,” Mignot stated.
The EU envoy also urged journalists and media organisations to verify information concerning the position of the European Union directly with its delegation before publication.
“The EU Delegation respectfully reminds members of the esteemed media community that, to avoid issuing such misleading information about positions or statements of the EU, they can simply check their accuracy with the press and communication office of the EU Delegation,” he said.
The clarification comes as Nigeria’s electoral authorities and political stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with international partners expected to play a role in supporting democratic governance and electoral processes.
