2027: EU pullback a vote of no confidence in election management, PDP says

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the European Union’s decision not to deploy a full-scale election observation mission for the 2027 general elections as a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s electoral management, warning that declining confidence in the process could undermine the credibility of the polls and, ultimately, democracy.

The PDP said the EU’s decision, which it linked to worsening insecurity and what the bloc described as hostile treatment following its 2023 election observation mission, was a significant development because it would mark the first general election since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 without a full EU election observation mission. The party accused the APC-led Federal Government of deploying tactics aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of 2027 and vowed to work with other opposition parties, civil society organisations and Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the EU withdrawal reinforced concerns already expressed by local and international stakeholders about the state of Nigeria’s electoral system.

“The recent announcement by the European Union of its intended pullback from observing the 2027 general elections is another confirmation of the fears of both local and international stakeholders about the weaknesses and defects that may define the forthcoming general elections,” the party said.

The EU had indicated that it would not deploy a full-scale election observation mission for the 2027 polls, citing security concerns and hostility experienced after its 2023 election observation exercise.

The PDP described the development as historic, noting that it would be the first Nigerian general election since 1999 in which the EU would not deploy an election observation mission.

According to the party, the decision should prompt serious reflection on the condition of Nigeria’s electoral environment and the factors responsible for the declining confidence of international observers.

“Since 2023, the current APC-led Federal Government has intensified efforts at ensuring that the 2027 elections are uncontested in any meaningful sense,” the statement alleged.

The PDP accused the Federal Government of using what it described as state-funded crises in opposition parties, coercion and inducement of opposition governors and National Assembly members, as well as the persecution and intimidation of opposition figures.

It also criticised what it called inflammatory electoral rhetoric from the ruling party and cited President Bola Tinubu’s earlier statement to party supporters to “snatch it, take it and run with it” as part of what it described as a troubling political disposition.

The opposition party argued that the cumulative effect of such developments was to weaken confidence in the electoral process before voters even go to the polls.

“This EU pullback is one of the many votes of no confidence by strategic stakeholders in election management under this APC-led administration,” it said.

The PDP maintained that confidence was central to the legitimacy of any democratic election, warning that doubts about the neutrality and effectiveness of election management institutions could have consequences beyond the 2027 poll.

“When confidence in the electoral process erodes, so does the credibility of elections and, ultimately, democracy itself,” it said.

The party also rejected any attempt by the ruling party to use its incumbency advantage to dominate the electoral process, arguing that elections should reflect the freely expressed wishes of Nigerians.

“Elections must be a true reflection of the wishes of the people, freely expressed through the ballot,” the statement said.

The PDP said any attempt to impose the ruling party on Nigerians despite what it described as poor governance would be undemocratic and unconstitutional.

It called on opposition parties, civil society groups and citizens to remain vigilant and collectively demand a transparent electoral process.

“We will work in concert with other opposition political parties, civil society organisations and Nigerians to demand transparency, accountability and sincerity in the entire election process. This is the irreducible minimum,” the party said.