Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to show signs of improving Nigeria’s electoral process, two years after the last general elections.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, Atiku spoke about his meeting with a high-powered European Union delegation led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament and Head of the 2023 EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria. The delegation also included the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot.
According to him, the visit was a follow-up to assess the level of implementation of recommendations made by the EU mission after 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,” Atiku stated.
He described it as “worrisome” that, despite the passage of time, there are still no indications that INEC is committed to genuine reform.
Nonetheless, Atiku pledged continued support for civil society organisations, local groups, and international observers working to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework.
“We believe that only through credible elections shall we safeguard our democracy and recruit leaders that will ensure unity and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he added.