Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the European Union has pledged to support credible polls in Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki at the Government House in Benin City, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Isopi, said Nigeria’s progress is of importance as its partner and continental neighbour.
“Today is 70 days ahead of the elections so we also try to use the opportunity of our visit to engage with political actors and to discuss issues relating to elections.
“The reason is simple. The European Union has been supporting election processes in Nigeria since the return to civilian rule. We have consistently deployed election observers’ mission and we will do the same thing for the next coming elections.”
According to her, the Union has supported the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders by providing technical assistance as well as expertise.
The envoy noted that Europe just like Nigerians are interested in free, fair and credible elections in Africa’s most populous nation.
Describing Europe as Nigeria’s main neighbour, the EU Ambassador stated that they expect to have a “strong, democratic Nigeria and that is why we have supported Nigeria’s democracy and we will continue to do so.”