The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has dismissed reports claiming that it rejected an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The delegation described the reports as inaccurate, particularly claims that it declined the invitation because of the worsening security situation in the country and alleged hostile treatment of its observers and officials following the publication of its final report on the 2023 general election.
In a statement signed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, the delegation urged media organisations to verify information concerning its positions and statements with its Press and Communication Office to avoid publishing misleading reports.
The EU said it received a formal invitation from INEC dated 17 April 2026 to deploy observers for the 2027 general elections.
It explained that, in its response dated 28 July 2026, it thanked INEC for the invitation and informed the commission that it would deploy an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM), comprising between two and four independent experts who would be formally accredited as observers by INEC.
According to the delegation, the mission will assess whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional and national obligations and commitments on democratic elections.
The EU added that the EEM would submit a final report containing recommendations on ways to improve Nigeria’s electoral framework and future electoral processes.
It stressed that the two reasons cited in media reports for allegedly declining INEC’s invitation were not contained in its letter to the commission, describing the claims as “pure speculations”.
The delegation further explained that the EU makes annual decisions on electoral missions to partner countries based on individual circumstances and available resources.
It said the decision to conduct an EEM in Nigeria would be further discussed with relevant Nigerian authorities.
The EU also clarified that the decision would not affect the continued implementation of its EU-funded Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria project, including its support for the country’s electoral process.
The clarification comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections and renewed attention on the role of international observers in monitoring Nigeria’s electoral process.
