The European Union (EU) has said it is not responsible for sanctioning Nigerian political stakeholders over electoral violence, insisting that accountability should remain with the country’s institutions as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, reportedly made the clarification while addressing concerns about political violence and threats to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Mignot explained that the EU’s responsibility was to support Nigeria’s electoral process, strengthen democratic institutions and empower civil society organisations rather than assume the role of domestic authorities.
He maintained that the bloc’s approach focused on technical assistance, institutional support and creating opportunities for stakeholders to address threats to credible elections.
EU to support 5,500 election observers
As part of its efforts ahead of the 2027 elections, the EU is supporting civil society organisations to deploy 5,500 election observers across Nigeria, according to a report by TV360 Nigeria.
Mignot also highlighted a collaboration involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to simulate possible electoral disruptions, particularly misinformation and the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion.
The exercise is intended to strengthen the preparedness of relevant stakeholders against emerging threats to the electoral process.
Responding to suggestions that the EU should impose sanctions similar to those introduced against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Mignot reportedly described the comparison as misplaced.
He argued that sanctions were not a universal solution to every alleged violation of democratic standards, particularly where the issues fell within a country’s domestic political affairs.
EU raises concerns over electoral violence
The EU’s position comes amid growing concerns about election-related violence, political intimidation and hate speech ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Mignot has previously warned that restrictions on civic and political spaces could undermine citizens’ participation and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
He identified independent media, peaceful assembly, open public forums and active civil society organisations as important safeguards for credible elections.
The EU has also pledged additional funding to support the protection of civic and political spaces in Nigeria through a new project in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The bloc says its objective is to support legitimate Nigerian stakeholders in contributing to a free, fair and credible electoral process without interfering in the country’s domestic politics.
