Transition Monitoring Group has expressed concern over the dismissal of the European Union (EU) electoral report by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Government.
In a statement, Chairman of the election monitoring group, Auwal Musa Rasfanjani, said the EU’s report aligns with that of local observers and civil society groups working on election observation and democracy monitoring, they had earlier raised similar concerns about gaps in the electoral process in Nigeria.
“The recommendations by the European Union align with the views of many civil society groups and local observers. It is imperative that the government and INEC review those recommendations and work towards addressing the gaps in the electoral processes to make our electoral system more transparent, accountable and participatory to restore confidence in the process,” he said.
According to Rafsanjani, it is only when the government genuinely ensures transparent, accountable, free and fair elections hold that democracy and good governance can be consolidated and achieved in Nigeria.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to take courage and admit to the shortcomings with the electoral process which is evident by the violence and several election petitions going on in the country and the reduction of Nigerian’s participation in the elections, he should emulate the late president Umar Musa Yar’Adua who admitted there were gaps in his election and committed to reform the electoral system. Therefore, TMG urges president Tinubu to ensure effective reforms.
“The EU witnessed the election process and its report should not be ignored. It is disheartening to see that the government and INEC are disregarding the recommendations from the European Union invited to observe the elections.”
He also noted that the government and INEC may be sending the wrong message by disregarding both local election observers and the EU election report.
He reiterated TMG’s stance that electoral misconduct should not be normalised, and the government and INEC should work towards addressing electoral corruption and impunity, saying this will greatly improve our electoral process and bring integrity.
“The EU electoral report and local elections’ observers report should not be dismissed, but rather, it should be looked into, and the necessary action should be taken to ensure free, fair, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria,” Rafsanjani said.
