Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his worries regarding the apparent indifference of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards enhancing Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 polls.

In a recent post on his X account, Atiku expressed hope that INEC would work closely with the National Assembly to bolster electoral laws, ensuring more credible elections.

He recounted a meeting with a European Union delegation led by Barry Andrews, who is part of the EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, along with EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot.

This interaction was a follow-up to EU recommendations after the 2023 elections. For Atiku, only transparent and credible elections can protect Nigeria’s democracy and produce leaders who can unify the nation and foster economic growth.

He said: “Yesterday evening, I received a high-powered European Union delegation, including the Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Gautier Mignot.

“The delegation led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament, who was also Head of the 2023 EU- Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, is engaging in broad-based conversation on the future of Nigerian elections.

“This visit is a follow-up mission to see the level of implementation of a set of recommendations made by the team following the 2023 General elections.

“Expectations are high that the Independent National Electoral Commission will urgently work with the National Assembly to give citizens election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts.

“It is worrisome that two years down the line, we are yet to see indications that INEC is committed to an improved electoral process.

“Meanwhile, we shall continue to support efforts by CSOs, local and foreign Election Observations Missions (EOMs), including the EU-EOM, that will lead to genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General elections.

“We believe that only through credible elections shall we safeguard our democracy and recruit leaders that will ensure unity and economic prosperity of Nigeria.”

ASA