The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has dismissed reports claiming that it declined an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe the 2027 general elections.
The EU described the reports as inaccurate and speculative, saying it had instead accepted INEC’s invitation and would deploy an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM) comprising between two and four independent experts.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, August 10, 2026, and signed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
According to the statement, INEC formally invited the EU on April 17, 2026, to deploy observers for the 2027 general elections.
The EU Delegation said it responded to the invitation on July 28, 2026, thanking INEC and informing the commission of its decision to field an Electoral Expert Mission, whose members would be formally accredited as observers by INEC.
The delegation explained that the EEM would assess whether Nigeria’s electoral process complies with international, regional and national obligations and commitments relating to democratic elections.
It added that the mission would submit a final report containing recommendations on improving the country’s electoral framework and future electoral processes.
The EU stressed that claims that its decision was based on Nigeria’s worsening security situation or alleged hostile treatment of its observers following the publication of its 2023 election report were not contained in its correspondence with INEC.
“The two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure speculations,” the delegation said.
It explained that the EU makes annual decisions on electoral missions to partner countries that invite it, with the type of mission determined by the circumstances of each country and the resources available.
The delegation said the decision to conduct an Electoral Expert Mission in Nigeria was reached on that basis and would be further discussed with the relevant Nigerian authorities to facilitate its implementation.
It also clarified that the decision would not affect the continuation of the EU-funded “Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria” project, including its support for the electoral process.
The EU Delegation urged media organisations to verify reports concerning its positions or statements directly with its Press and Communication Office before publication.