The European Union has congratulated Nigeria on its progress since 1999, including the first peaceful transition of power from a ruling party to an opposition party in 2015. The EU in a press statement urged Nigeria to consolidate and deepen the country’s democracy. “As we celebrate your progress, we encourage and support Nigeria and its people to consolidate and deepen democracy as the country heads towards important elections next year.”
“We join Nigerians today in celebrating the day on which democracy and civilian rule were restored.”
The EU says the struggle to achieve democracy gives it a special value and places responsibility on all the friends of Nigeria to support the democratic process and whoever wins the general election in 2019.
“We are particularly keen to see greater participation in politics.”
“We encourage the government and legislators to work with INEC to achieve further improvements at least six months before the elections, in line with the established ECOWAS protocol.”
EU also pledged to support the Independent National Elections Commission, INEC, and welcome the technical improvements they have introduced to the electoral process.
The European Union also used the opportunity of the national celebration of democracy to urge all political parties to maintain Nigerian and international norms and support a credible process.
According to the EU, It is the fundamental right of Nigerians to freely express their will now and in the forthcoming elections.
