Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not demonstrated commitment to improving Nigeria’s electoral process, even as citizens look forward to the 2027 general elections with high expectations.
Atiku made the remarks in a Facebook post on Friday after meeting with a high-powered European Union (EU) delegation led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament and Head of the 2023 EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) to Nigeria. The delegation also included the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot.
He said the visit was part of a follow-up mission to assess the level of implementation of recommendations issued by the EU-EOM after the 2023 polls. According to him, the continued delay in electoral reforms raises doubts about the preparedness of INEC to deliver credible elections in 2027.
“Expectations are high that the Independent National Electoral Commission will urgently work with the National Assembly to give citizens election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts,” Atiku wrote.
“It is worrisome that two years down the line, we are yet to see indications that INEC is committed to an improved electoral process,” he added.
The former Vice President urged the electoral commission to collaborate closely with the National Assembly to ensure that the necessary reforms are enacted well ahead of the next general election. He stressed that the credibility of elections is vital to safeguarding democracy, uniting the nation, and fostering economic prosperity.
Despite his reservations, Atiku pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote genuine reforms, including those led by civil society organisations, local stakeholders, and international election observer missions.
“Meanwhile, we shall continue to support efforts by CSOs, local and foreign Election Observation Missions (EOMs), including the EU-EOM, that will lead to genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Atiku argued that Nigeria’s democratic development depends heavily on the credibility of its elections, warning that failure to address the gaps identified in the 2023 process could erode public trust in future polls.
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The EU delegation’s visit, according to him, provided an opportunity for a broad-based discussion on the future of Nigeria’s elections and underscored the international community’s continued interest in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
Atiku recalled that following the 2023 elections, the EU-EOM had issued several recommendations aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the electoral system. The mission’s latest engagement, he noted, highlights the importance of timely reforms ahead of the next cycle.
Observers say the call for reforms by key political figures like Atiku reflects growing pressure on INEC and the National Assembly to avoid a repeat of the controversies that trailed the 2023 elections, particularly regarding result transmission, voter confidence, and electoral credibility.
With less than two years to the 2027 polls, analysts warn that any delay in addressing these challenges could fuel political uncertainty and weaken public faith in Nigeria’s democracy.