Nigerian Govt rejects EU’s conclusions on 2023 general elections, asserts credibility

The Nigerian government has vehemently rejected the European Union’s (EU) conclusions on the 2023 general elections, specifically the presidential election, which saw the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a State House press release on Sunday by Dele Alake, S.A to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, said the government accused the EU of attempting to discredit the elections and challenged the credibility of the continental multi-lateral institution’s assessment.

The government maintained that the 2023 general elections, especially the presidential race, were conducted peacefully, fairly, and credibly, making them the best organized since the return of civil rule in Nigeria.

The government expressed deep concern over the EU’s limited election observation, questioning the reliability of its findings based on a small team of fewer than 50 observers deployed across the vast nation.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in contrast, sent out over 1000 observers who provided a more comprehensive and positive assessment of the elections, reporting that 91.8% of Nigerians considered the conduct of the elections transparent and satisfactory.

Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stood in defense of the electoral process, rejecting what the government termed as “false narratives” in the EU report.

“INEC also committed to implementing further reforms to enhance the integrity and credibility of future electoral processes” he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed office recently, is focused on the task of nation-building and steering the country toward fiscal sustainability and socio-economic reforms.

The government urged the EU and other foreign interests to adopt an objective approach when assessing Nigeria’s internal affairs and allow the country to continue its development without undue interference.