FG wants EU’s support to strengthen democracy

In its efforts to deepen and consolidate democratic practises, particularly with regard to the country’s electoral processes, the Federal Government has looked to the European Union for assistance.

While hosting a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission led by its Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, in his office, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume made the appeal.

The OSGF’s Director of Information, Willie Bassey, quoted the SGF as saying that Nigeria’s electoral processes had significantly improved over time while pleading with the EU for assistance in building on the progress already made.

“The SGF thanked the European Union Observation Mission for taking part in the 2023 general elections throughout the nation and emphasised the significance of using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in the electoral process, which was a game changer during the elections.

In the general elections of 2023, “Akume observed that the country made significant progress and called on the EU to continue to support such progress made to advance democratic principles in the country,” the statement continued.

Andrews, the chief observer for the European Union Election Observation Mission, stated earlier that the EU report contains six top recommendations.

He revealed that the EU EOM would visit Nigeria for a follow-up mission two years after its initial visit to check in with the country’s authorities on the status of the implementation of its recommendations.

Samuela Isopi, the ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, also made a statement. She said that the EU had been supportive of the country’s return to democracy and had been collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission and other important stakeholders to strengthen democracy.