FG assures ECOWAS of commitment to conduct peaceful, credible elections

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Federal Government has assured the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of its 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.

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Francess Piagie Alghali, and other members of the mission accompanied Foh.

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 recognised 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.