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EU Mission decries violence in Nigeria ahead of 2023 elections

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The European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria has condemned the recent cases of violence in the country.

The EU team’s statement followed the assassination of the Labour Party senatorial candidate in Enugu East, Oyibo Chukwu, by unknown gunmen on Wednesday.

The incident forced the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the election in the district till March 11.

The EU EOM Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, who reacted to the incident in a statement on Friday, challenged all stakeholders in the country’s electoral process to engage in line with the Peace Accord and Electoral Act, 2022.

He urged security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.

The statement read: “The EU EOM condemns the recent acts of severe and coordinated incidents of violence, in particular the recent assassination, and urges authorities to hold those responsible to account.

“The EU EOM urges all electoral stakeholders to engage in a manner that reflects the spirit of the Peace Accord signed on 22 February – on election day and in the days that follow as votes are counted and tabulated, and results are announced.

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“Furthermore, we urge security agencies to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure an enabling environment for peaceful elections.

The mission urged stakeholders to channel any concern on the election or its outcome through designated election tribunals and courts as provided for in the laws of Nigeria.

“The EU EOM will continue to observe the electoral process, including the transparency of the election administration, the impartiality of security agencies, and the independence of the judiciary.

“The EU Election Observation Mission has been deployed by the European Union upon an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

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