The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has denied reports that it rejected an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The reports had claimed that the EU would not deploy an election observation mission because of worsening insecurity and alleged hostile treatment of its officials and observers during the 2023 elections.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, August 10, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the reports as inaccurate.
Mignot said the EU had accepted INEC’s invitation but would deploy an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM) instead of a conventional Election Observation Mission.
According to the EU, INEC sent its invitation on April 17, 2026, and the EU responded on July 28. The mission will comprise between two and four independent experts who will be accredited as observers by INEC.
The EU said the EEM will assess Nigeria’s electoral process and determine whether it complies with international, regional and national standards for democratic elections.
It added that the mission would produce a final report with recommendations on improving Nigeria’s electoral system and future elections.
The EU also denied claims that insecurity and alleged mistreatment of its officials influenced its decision.
It said those reasons were not mentioned in its response to INEC, describing the reports as speculation.
The delegation explained that it makes annual decisions on the type of electoral missions to deploy based on the circumstances of each country and the resources available.
It added that discussions with relevant Nigerian authorities would continue on the implementation of the mission.
The EU stressed that the decision would not affect its wider support for Nigeria’s democratic process, including its EU-funded Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria project.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier reacted to reports that the EU was pulling back from observing the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary of its Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, described the reported development as a confirmation of concerns among local and international stakeholders about the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The PDP accused the government of taking steps since 2023 to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. It alleged the use of government-funded crises within opposition parties, pressure on opposition governors and lawmakers, as well as intimidation and persecution of opposition figures.
The party also criticised what it described as inflammatory political statements and questioned the credibility of election management under the APC-led administration.
The PDP said any loss of confidence in the electoral process could undermine the credibility of elections and democracy.
The party pledged to work with other opposition groups, civil society organisations and Nigerians to demand transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the electoral process.
The EU, meanwhile, advised journalists and members of the public to verify information about its activities and positions directly with its press and communication office to avoid spreading misleading reports.
