The European Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria claims that the appointment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, and other electoral officials by the immediate past president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, left the electoral umpire vulnerable to perceptions of partiality during the 2023 elections.
On June 27, the EU Observers issued their final report on its website on the February 25, February 25 and March 18 elections.
Former President Buhari named Mahmood INEC Chairman on October 21 October 21 2015 and reappointed him in 2020.
The EU team said that INEC’s perceived prejudice was due to the “presidential selection” that created them.
“Weak aspects include a lack of INEC autonomous structures and capacity to pursue election crimes and campaign money violations.
“Furthermore, the presidential appointment of INEC leadership at federal and state level makes the electoral institution open to the allegation of partiality,” observers said.
The observers said that INEC’s 2023 federal and state elections revealed systemic vulnerabilities that damaged public faith in the electoral umpire.
The EU Observation Mission, led by Barry Andrews, noted a “lack of openness” by INEC during counting the February 25 presidential and National Assembly results.
The EU’s final assessment noted the election’s major flaws.
The EU EOM presents its results and suggestions after a three-month observation throughout Nigeria.
“Law and electoral administration shortcomings prevented well-run and inclusive elections and undermined INEC’s credibility.
“The EU EOM is presenting 23 suggestions for consideration by the Nigerian authorities to better future elections,” the mission said.
Andrews said Nigerians strongly committed to democracy, but the election revealed structural shortcomings and necessitated legislative and operational changes to improve openness, inclusion, and accountability.
“We are especially concerned about the need for change in six areas which we have highlighted as priority suggestions, which we think, if adopted, may lead to improvements for the conduct of elections,” said Barry Andrews.
Andrews stated, “Importantly, political will is needed to strengthen democratic procedures in Nigeria. All stakeholders must discuss electoral reform.”
The EU recommended real-time results transmission and election law clarification in Nigeria.
“The six priority recommendations point to the need to (1) remove ambiguities in the law, (2) establish a publicly accountable selection process for INEC members, (3) ensure real-time publication and access to election results, (4) provide greater protection for media practitioners, (5) address discrimination against women in political life, and (6) impunity regarding electoral offences,” it said.
The EU would help stakeholders implement its suggestions.
The EU’s final report was released on its website on Tuesday during the Presidential Election Petitions Court’s Abuja sessions.
Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Allied Peoples Movement are contesting Bola Tinubu’s election victory.
“The views and opinions represented in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy and stance of the European Union,” the Election Observation Missions said, indicating its independence from EU institutions.
