The European Union has dismissed reports that it rejected an invitation to observe Nigeria’s 2027 General Election, describing the claims as “pure speculations” and inaccurate.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS clarified that it never declined INEC’s invitation, nor cited insecurity or hostility towards its officials as reasons to stay away.
The Delegation confirmed it received a formal invitation from INEC dated 17 April 2026 to deploy observers for the 2027 polls.
In its response dated July 28, 2026, the EU informed INEC that it would send an Electoral Expert Mission, EEM, instead of a full Election Observation Mission.
The EEM will comprise 2 to 4 independent experts who will be formally accredited as observers by INEC.
According to the EU, an EEM performs the same assessment role as a full observation mission. It will evaluate whether Nigeria’s electoral process aligns with international, regional and national democratic commitments.
“As explained in the letter, 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,” the delegation stated.
The experts will also produce a final report with recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The EU strongly refuted claims that security concerns and alleged hostile treatment of its observers after the 2023 elections influenced its decision.
“The two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure speculations,” the statement stressed.
The Delegation explained that decisions on electoral missions are taken yearly based on invitations received, prevailing circumstances, and available resources.
“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.”
The EU also reassured stakeholders that the EEM decision will not affect its ongoing support for Nigeria’s democracy.
It said the EU-funded Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, EU-SDGN, programme continues. The €39 million Phase II programme, launched in 2022, supports electoral administration, political participation, media engagement, legislative reforms and civil society.
The clarification comes amid renewed debate over the EU Election Observation Mission’s report on the 2023 general elections.
Released in June 2023, that report flagged weaknesses in electoral administration and legal frameworks. It made 23 recommendations on results management, INEC appointments, media freedom, women’s participation and electoral offences.
The report drew mixed reactions, with some welcoming the recommendations and others criticising the findings.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot who signed the statement, urged journalists to verify information with the Delegation’s press office before publication.
INEC has already begun preparations for 2027, with international observation expected to remain key to boosting transparency and public confidence.
