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The Federal Government, has assured the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of its commitment unwavering commitment to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process towards the forthcoming 2027general elections.
The Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance while meeting with ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria, led by former Vice-President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Victor Bockarie Foh.
Foh was accompanied by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Francess Piagie Alghali, and other members of the mission.
In his remarks, Foh explained that his Mission’s mandate was to assess Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, through consultations with relevant institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.
“He informed that earlier engagements with stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), had been constructive. While observing that its preliminary assessment suggested a favourable environment for the forthcoming elections, H.E. Foh stated that the Mission’s consultations were still ongoing, and a report would be submitted when completed, outlining its findings and recommendations,” Adeniyi said.
In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government towards conducting peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution and applicable electoral laws.
“She described the 2027 general election process as a defining one, expressing optimism that it would reinforce democracy in the country and the wider West African sub-region.
“She noted that Nigeria recognized the imperative of institutional preparedness, transparent voter accreditation, effective result management, and timely resolution of electoral disputes in building confidence in the country’s electoral system. She also stated that Nigeria took seriously, robust coordination among security agencies for the protection of candidates, electoral officials, observers and voters during elections, while ensuring that security personnel discharge their duties professionally, impartially and in accordance with the country’s human rights obligations,” the spokesperson also said.
Adeniyi added that while underscoring the importance of voter education and effective law enforcement against electoral offences, the minister highlighted the roles of political parties, civil society, traditional institutions and the media in promoting peaceful elections.
“She decried the risks posed by misinformation and disinformation, stressing the need for accurate, accessible and timely electoral information.
“She identified opportunities to improve practical measures to enhance electoral participation of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, and acknowledged the value of credible election observation in promoting transparency, strengthening public confidence and identifying areas for improvement throughout the electoral process.
“His Excellency Foh welcomed the Minister’s assurances and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s electoral preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
“He emphasized the need for continued stakeholder engagement and sustained efforts to address observations, noting that Nigeria’s success in conducting credible elections in 2027 would have wider significance for democratic governance and stability across West Africa.
“The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to promoting democratic governance, stability, peace and prosperity in West Africa,” Adeniyi further said.
