The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, governance, and electoral reforms, following high-level engagements with Nigerian stakeholders.
The EU, which deployed 110 observers from 25 member states during the 2023 general elections, had earlier committed €39 million under the EU-SDGN Phase 2 programme (2022–2027) to support domestic governance institutions, including INEC.
It also provided an additional €13 million in technical and logistical support for the 2023 polls.
Speaking during a series of subcommittee meetings, the Labour party presidential candidate in 2023 general election, Peter Obi emphasised the need for credible elections as the foundation for good governance, urging the EU to remain a key partner in electoral reforms.
“We cannot build a stable nation without transparent, free, and fair elections,” he said. “A stronger democracy benefits both Nigeria and the EU.”
Obi highlighted Nigeria’s urgent challenges, including over 20 million out-of-school children, rising poverty, insecurity, and the need for religious harmony.
He also called for increased EU investment in power generation to boost economic growth and reduce brain drain.
He further stressed the importance of tackling corruption, describing it as “a cankerworm that has crippled development.”
Obi concluded by urging deeper EU–Nigeria cooperation, saying the Union “has much to gain from supporting a stable, prosperous Nigeria,” adding that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
