Pre-Election Mission Begins Seven-Day Stakeholder Engagement, Seeks Stronger Electoral Inclusion, Transparency and Institutional Cooperation

By Chioma Vivian James

The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the African Union (AU) to promote credible, peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, when he received the AU Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission to Nigeria in Abuja.

The seven-day mission, led by former Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, is in the country to assess Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 elections and engage key stakeholders on measures that could contribute to a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The visit comes as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, with stakeholders increasingly focused on strengthening electoral institutions, promoting participation and ensuring public confidence in the democratic process.

Speaking during the engagement, Hassen expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for its cooperation and support since the mission commenced its activities.

He disclosed that the delegation had already held consultations with key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations, as part of efforts to obtain diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s electoral preparedness.

The AU delegation also requested the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating further engagements with relevant institutions and stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

Hassen acknowledged the complexity of conducting elections in a large and diverse democracy such as Nigeria, stressing the country’s significance to democratic development on the African continent.

He said the AU would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving inclusion, fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process, in line with the principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance.

Responding, Enikanolaiye welcomed the AU mission and described its visit as timely, particularly as Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle are already underway.

The Minister commended the African Union for its continued efforts to promote democratic governance, credible elections and peaceful transitions of power across the continent.

He noted that Nigeria had benefited from the AU’s contributions to the strengthening of democratic practices and institutions in Africa, while assuring the delegation of the full cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions.

Enikanolaiye said the mission’s consultations with INEC, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, development partners and other stakeholders would provide useful perspectives and recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.

He also reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stated commitment to free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

According to the Minister, Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, characterised by successive transitions of power through elections, remains an important foundation for continued democratic development.

He expressed confidence that the country would sustain the democratic tradition and continue to strengthen institutions responsible for managing and safeguarding the electoral process.

Enikanolaiye further urged the AU mission to undertake a balanced and objective assessment of Nigeria’s electoral processes and outcomes.

He said the Federal Government would welcome the mission’s findings and recommendations as a constructive contribution to ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, improve electoral administration and enhance public confidence in the electoral system.

The engagement underscores the continuing partnership between Nigeria and the African Union on democratic governance, electoral reform and peaceful political transitions.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the consultations are expected to provide an opportunity for national institutions, political actors, civil society groups and development partners to identify areas requiring greater attention and cooperation in ensuring an inclusive and peaceful electoral process.