The statement released following the meeting painted a sobering picture of the 2023 elections, describing them as marred by significant irregularities that fell short of Nigerians’ expectations. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tasked with overseeing the electoral process, came under sharp criticism for failing to deliver on its commitment to real-time transmission of results from polling units through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. This failure, according to the statement, eroded public confidence in the electoral process. Moreover, the final results declared by INEC were alleged to be inconsistent with the votes cast, a discrepancy that the ADC and EU-EOM labeled as a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
The statement also took aim at the judiciary, accusing it of failing to uphold the will of the electorate as expressed through the ballot box. The ADC and EU-EOM argued that courts should not have the authority to override the people’s mandate in disputed election cases. Instead, they advocated for a system where, in the event of electoral disputes, the decision is returned to the electorate through a fresh democratic process rather than being settled by judicial pronouncements. This, they contended, would better safeguard the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.
A key reform proposal put forward during the meeting was the restructuring of the process for appointing INEC’s leadership. Currently, the President of Nigeria holds the sole authority to appoint the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners, a system the ADC and EU-EOM criticized as prone to bias and lacking transparency. They proposed that political parties with at least five members in the National Assembly be empowered to nominate officials for these key positions. This change, they argued, would enhance the neutrality and independence of the electoral body, ensuring that it operates free from undue political influence.
The ADC delegation, led by its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, emphasized that Nigerians deserve an electoral system that accurately reflects their votes without manipulation. The delegation, which also included prominent figures such as Liyel Imoke, Emeka Ihedioha, Babachir Lawal, Bolaji Abdullahi, Ibrahim Mani, and Chile Igbawua, reiterated the party’s commitment to advocating for reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. They stressed that the credibility of the electoral process is the cornerstone of any democratic system and warned that without meaningful reforms, public faith in Nigeria’s democracy would continue to erode.
The EU-EOM delegation, which included EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and election experts Ralph-Michael Peters, Eirini-Maria Gounari, and Maros Gabriel, explained that their visit was part of a broader effort to review the challenges observed during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and to support preparations for credible reforms ahead of the 2027 polls. The delegation also featured Programme Manager on Democracy and Rule of Law, Ms. Laolu Olawumi; Political Adviser, Mr. Osaro Odemwingie; and Team Leader, Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera. Their presence underscored the international community’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s journey toward a more robust and transparent electoral system.
The call for reform comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria, a country with a history of contentious elections that have often been plagued by allegations of fraud, voter suppression, and institutional bias. The 2023 elections, in particular, drew widespread criticism from both domestic and international observers. Reports of logistical failures, delays in result transmission, and discrepancies between reported and actual votes fueled public discontent and raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process. The ADC and EU-EOM’s joint statement reflects a shared recognition that these issues must be addressed to prevent a repeat of past mistakes in 2027.
Beyond the specific proposals regarding INEC’s leadership and judicial oversight, the ADC and EU-EOM emphasized the need for broader reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework. These include improving voter education, enhancing the security of polling units, and ensuring greater inclusivity in the electoral process, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. They also called for the adoption of technology-driven solutions to improve the efficiency and transparency of elections, while ensuring that such systems are reliable and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of collaboration between Nigerian stakeholders and international partners in achieving these reforms. The EU-EOM’s engagement with the ADC signals a willingness to work with local political actors to advocate for change and to provide technical expertise where needed. This partnership is particularly significant given the EU’s long-standing role as a key observer of Nigerian elections and its commitment to promoting democratic governance worldwide.
For the ADC, the meeting represents an opportunity to position itself as a leading voice for electoral reform in Nigeria. The party, which has historically played a prominent role in Nigerian politics, is seeking to rally other political actors, civil society organizations, and the public around the cause of electoral integrity. By aligning with the EU-EOM, the ADC is also signaling its commitment to international standards of democracy and governance, which could bolster its credibility both domestically and internationally.
As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 elections, the challenges are significant but not insurmountable. The ADC and EU-EOM’s joint call for reform serves as a reminder that the path to credible elections requires sustained effort, political will, and broad-based collaboration. For many Nigerians, the hope is that these reforms will not only restore trust in the electoral process but also strengthen the country’s democratic institutions for generations to come.
In conclusion, the meeting between the ADC and the EU-EOM marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing quest for electoral reform. By addressing the failures of the 2023 elections and proposing concrete solutions, both parties have laid the groundwork for a more transparent and credible electoral process in 2027. The emphasis on restructuring INEC’s appointment process, limiting judicial overreach, and empowering the electorate reflects a shared vision of a democracy that truly reflects the will of the people. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of its democratic journey, the collaboration between local and international stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated and that the aspirations of Nigerians for a fair and just electoral system are finally realized.
