The European Union (EU) Mission in Nigeria has reiterated that it is not present in the country to endorse any particular candidate or political party in the general elections scheduled for 2023.
This was said by Samuela Isopi, the EU Mission’s ambassador, during her speech during the Wednesday signing of the National Peace Agreement in Abuja.
Isopi emphasized that the National Peace Agreement is essential to establishing the credibility of the country’s elections.
She said, “For us at the European Union, we wish to reiterate our impartiality and commitment to our role. We are not here to support any candidate or party. We are here on the invitation of the Nigerian government to support democratic process.
“The EU Election Oservation Mission is deployed on the Nigerian government invitation to oberve the election across the country and give independent assessment and contribution to the continuous deepening of Nigeria’s democracy.
Isopi equally said, “The world is watching and Nigerians are hopeful for the process and expect each vote to count. Democracy is under threat in Africa and across the globe.
“In 2015, Nigeria set example for Africa and the world with the peaceful transition of power from one civilian administration to another.
“As the largest democracy on the continent, it’s our hope that Nigeria will continue to lead by example and send a strong message to the world by further consolidating its democracy through a credible, transparent and peaceful election,” she said.
Isopi called on the stakeholders to support President Muhammadu Buhari in fulfilling a credible 2023 elections.
“All political leaders and candidates have a vital role to play in the key responsibility in placing the peace and unity of Nigeria above other interests.
“We call on all candidates tand parties to accept the result of the elections that we hope will be credible and peaceful. We encourage them to use all the legal means to seek redress and contribute to a peaceful transition.”
Saying that everyone has a role to play in lending full support and respecting the fundamental and independent role of Idependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Isopi noted that security forces have key responsibility in remaining neautral.
“INEC must be neautral in guaranteeing the safety of voters including women, people with disabilities and all vulnerable groups. We all strongly support media freedom. We encourage the judiciary to remain impartial and fair with adjudication of electoral matters,” she added.