The European Union and the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to ensure strict adherence to electoral rules and regulations in the conduct of the upcoming general election.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot who spoke at the world press conference organised by the INEC in preparations for the 2027 general Election says the Electoral Umpire should build on the commission’s achievements in the recent Osun State Governorship Poll to ensure transparent and credible elections in 2027.
Mignot noted that credible elections remain critical to preventing post-election violence, stressing that the EU is interested in the democratic process and welfare of Nigerians rather than supporting any particular candidate or political party.
While Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s continued engagement with Nigeria’s democratic process, he disclosed that the EU has already announced plans to deploy an Electoral Expert Mission for the 2027 general elections and urges INEC and other stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that the rules governing the elections are respected.
The National Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yusuf Dantelle, asks INEC to maintain neutrality in the conduct of the elections.
He also urged security agencies involved in the electoral process to remain neutral and resist any attempt to use them for partisan purposes.
Dantalle stresses the need for all stakeholders, particularly the electoral commission and security agencies, to play their roles without bias.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, acknowledged contributions by key players and participants at the event and disclosed among others things that Lagos State has the highest number of registered voters in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC said Lagos has 7,488,633 registered voters, followed by Kano State with 6,000,570.
Kaduna State ranks third with 4,000,640 registered voters, while Katsina State comes fourth with 3,876,051.
Oyo State is fifth with 3,588,111 registered voters, followed by Delta State with 3,525,988.
Rivers State has 3,000,734 registered voters, while Benue State has 3,057,225.
Ogun State occupies the ninth position with 3,037,981 registered voters, while Bauchi State ranks 10th with 3,000,047.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
