Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the slow progress of electoral reforms in Nigeria, two years after the 2023 general elections, cautioning that credible polls remain vital for safeguarding democracy and national unity.
Atiku made this known on Thursday while hosting a high-powered delegation from the European Union (EU), led by Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament and Head of the 2023 EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria. The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Gautier Mignot, was also present.
He explained that the visit was aimed at holding broad discussions on the future of Nigeria’s elections and assessing how far recommendations by the EU Election Observation Mission after the 2023 polls have been implemented.
Atiku emphasized that Nigerians still expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly to collaborate in enacting electoral laws that guarantee transparency and credibility, ensuring that “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,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President also assured that he would continue to support the work of civil society groups and both local and international election observers pushing for genuine 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,” he added.