…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has officially rejected the European Union’s (EU) assessment of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) criticized the handling of the elections, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to deliver on its promise of a transparent and inclusive democratic process.
However, the Nigerian government, through Special Adviser Dele Alake, has strongly refuted the report, deeming it preposterous and unconscionable.
Government’s Awareness of Foreign Institution’s Bias
The statement issued by Dele Alake highlights the government’s prior awareness of the foreign institution’s plan to discredit the 2023 general elections, particularly the presidential election won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While the statement does not explicitly mention the organization, it condemns the continuous assault on the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and sovereignty.
The government finds it unacceptable that any foreign organization can impose its assessment as the sole determinant of the elections’ credibility and transparency.
Dissecting the EU EOM’s Final Report
The statement emphasizes that the 2023 general elections, especially the presidential election, were deemed credible, peaceful, free, fair, and the best organized since 1999.
The government asserts that there is no substantial evidence provided by the European Union or any other organization to question the integrity of the election outcomes.
The EU EOM’s limited coverage, with only one person per state monitoring over 176,000 polling units, is brought into question.
The government criticizes the reliance on rumors, hearsay, and biased social media commentaries in the EU’s report.
Validation from Non-Partisan Observers
The government highlights the validation of the transparency and organization of the 2023 elections by non-partisan foreign and local observers such as the African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Observer Mission, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The NBA, in particular, with over 1,000 observers spread across the country, reported that 91.8% of Nigerians rated the conduct of the national and state elections as credible and satisfactory.
The government underscores the importance of considering the views of multiple observers and rejects the EU’s premature denunciation.
INEC’s Defense and Commitment to Improvements
The statement applauds the defense of the election’s integrity by INEC, as expressed by its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye.
The electoral body rejects the false narratives presented in the EU report.
Additionally, INEC commits to incorporating ideas, innovation, and reforms to enhance the integrity and credibility of future electoral processes.
The government praises President Tinubu’s leadership in redirecting the country toward fiscal sustainability and socio-economic reforms, noting the satisfaction expressed by Nigerians in his decisive actions.
Call for Objectivity and National Sovereignty
As the country moves forward, the government urges the EU and other foreign interests to be objective in their assessments of Nigeria’s internal affairs and respect its sovereignty.
The elections are considered a closed chapter, with legal challenges being pursued through the courts.
The focus now lies on nation-building under President Tinubu’s leadership.
The government emphasizes the need for foreign organizations to allow Nigeria the space to breathe and determine its own path of progress.