ECOWAS Begins 2027 Election Assessment, Sees Favourable Climate In Nigeria
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given a preliminary positive assessment of Nigeria’s political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as it continues consultations with key institutions and stakeholders to identify potential challenges to the polls.
The head of the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission, former Sierra Leone Vice-President, Victor Bockarie Foh, disclosed this during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.
Foh said the mission’s initial findings suggested a favourable atmosphere for the elections but stressed that its assessment was not yet conclusive, as engagements with relevant stakeholders were still underway.
He explained that the delegation was in Nigeria to examine the country’s level of preparedness for the 2027 elections through consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, civil society groups and the media.
The mission leader disclosed that the delegation had already interacted with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), describing the engagements as constructive.
He said a comprehensive report detailing the mission’s observations and recommendations would be presented at the end of the exercise.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the regional body that the Federal Government was committed to conducting peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in 2027.
The minister said the government recognised the importance of the forthcoming elections to Nigeria’s democratic development and its standing within the West African sub-region.
She identified institutional readiness, transparent voter accreditation, efficient transmission and management of election results, as well as prompt resolution of electoral disputes as critical requirements for building confidence in the process.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the credibility of the elections would also depend on effective coordination among security agencies to protect voters, candidates, election officials and observers before, during and after the exercise.
She called for professionalism and political neutrality among security personnel, warning that the conduct of security agencies would be crucial to creating an atmosphere in which citizens could freely exercise their voting rights.
The minister also urged political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the media to take responsibility for promoting peaceful political participation and preventing electoral violence.
She particularly raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and disinformation, insisting that voters must have access to accurate, timely and easily understood information throughout the electoral process.
On electoral participation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for stronger provisions to accommodate persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, noting that an inclusive election must provide opportunities for all eligible citizens to participate.
She further emphasised the need for sustained voter education and strict enforcement of electoral laws to strengthen public confidence in the 2027 polls.
The ECOWAS delegation welcomed the Federal Government’s assurances and underscored the importance of continued consultations between Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders.
The regional body noted that the successful conduct of credible elections in Nigeria would extend beyond the country, given its strategic importance to democratic stability, peace and governance across West Africa.
