In a press release issued by the State House, the Nigerian Presidency has rejected the conclusions of the European Union (EU) regarding the transparency of the 2023 general elections in the country. The Presidency accuses the EU of bias and unfounded claims, asserting that the elections were credible, peaceful, and the best organized since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
The statement reveals that the Presidency had previously alerted the nation to the intentions of a continental multi-lateral institution to discredit the elections, particularly the presidential election won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although the institution is not explicitly named in the statement, it accuses the EU of imposing its own assessment as the sole measure of election credibility and transparency.
According to the Presidency, there is no substantial evidence provided by the EU or any other foreign or local organization that can undermine the integrity of the election outcomes. The statement questions the EU’s assessment process, highlighting the limited coverage and deployment of observers during the elections. It asserts that the EU heavily relied on rumors, hearsay, and biased social media commentaries to form its conclusions.
The Presidency further rejects any notion that the 2023 elections were fraudulent and cites the validation of their transparency by non-partisan foreign and local observers such as the African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Observer Mission, and the Nigerian Bar Association. The statement particularly highlights the Nigerian Bar Association’s report, which stated that 91.8% of Nigerians rated the conduct of the elections as credible and satisfactory.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is commended for defending the integrity of the election and rejecting the false narratives presented in the EU report. The Presidency also acknowledges INEC’s commitment to learning, improvement, and reforms that will enhance the credibility of future elections.
While challenges to the election process continue through the courts, the Presidency emphasizes the nation’s focus on nation-building and President Tinubu’s leadership in redirecting the country towards fiscal sustainability and socio-economic reforms. The EU and other foreign interests are urged to be objective in their assessments and allow Nigeria to chart its own course.
The press release is signed by Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy.
