INEC denies receiving direct donor funding
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has pledged the bloc’s commitment to neutrality in its engagement with Nigeria’s electoral process, saying the bloc is not in the country to interfere in political affairs.
Mignot stated this yesterday when he led a delegation to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
At the meeting, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, clarified that the commission did not receive direct financial contributions from development partners for its activities.
According to the ambassador, the EU’s role in Nigeria’s democracy is rooted in providing expertise and learning from the country’s unique democratic journey.
He insisted that the bloc had no political interest in Nigeria nor a preferred political party.
“This is why the European Union is very happy and honoured to have a very long and very strong cooperation with the Nigerian general on electoral matters in particular. This cooperation is based on respect for each other’s sovereignty”, the EU envoy stated.
Mignot added: “We are not here to teach lessons or to dictate what to do, but just to bring some of our experience, learn from you and bring some expertise and this is what we try to do.
“And, of course, another very important principle is political neutrality. We are not here to favour one political force or one party and we are not here to meddle in the internal political life of Nigeria. So, political neutrality is always also at the core of our cooperation.”
Mignot also lamented the challenges facing democracies globally, including the rise of digital technologies and spread of disinformation, which complicates the democratic process.
Earlier, Yakubu noted INEC’s longstanding partnership with the EU, commending the role of development partners in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
“I would like to seize this opportunity to clarify a matter over which there is some misunderstanding in certain quarters. For the record, the Commission does not receive direct funding and we do not have an account into which donor funds are warehoused,” Yakubu stated.
The INEC chairman revealed that the EU and other development partners only provide indirect support in areas such as the publication of reports, retreats, engagement with stakeholders, as well as consultancy and technical support services in various areas, through the implementing partners selected and appointed by them.
