The European Union Election Observation Mission, EU EOM, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 met the leadership of the Ilorin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, reemphasizing the importance of having free, fair and just elections in Nigeria.

Nuno Simoes and Veronika Homolova who are experienced international observers, EU EOM revealed to the leadership of the NBA that they would forward the report of their findings and observations on the forthcoming 2023 elections to relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The international observers added that they have had a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Kwara State and other key stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the success of the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

They acknowledged the values of the press freedom and the need to stay away from unauthenticated news and falsehood.

The Chairman of the Ilorin Branch of the NBA, Kamaldeen Gambari, esq. commended the international organization for developing interest in the development and sustenance of democratic values across the globe, especially the African continent.

He said, “The EU has done a great work in advancing the European nations’ objectives of enthronement of good governance, peace and security, regional stability through the emergence and sustenance of robust, enduring democratic system of governance all over the world.

”Several countries in the African continent in the last three decades, have particularly benefitted from the selfless activities of the EU. In this context, there is no question about the fact that, the story of democracy in Nigeria would not have flowered and blossomed the way it has done in the past years without the intervention and support from the EU, governments and democracy-centred groups as well as Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, in Europe and other advanced democracies around the globe.

“Its a notorious fact that the Nigerian Bar Association has recorded landmark milestones which include making inputs into the processes of lawmaking, through position papers, lobby and the use of the mass media. No less an achievement is the fact that NBA has been able to develop mutually beneficial synergy with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

“NBA is here, once again, calling on the EU EOM, its home countries in Europe and other advanced democracies in the world not to relent in their selfless efforts and commitment to the building of democracy, good governance, peace and security in Nigeria, the largest and the hope of the continent. This appeal we make in our believe, that advanced democracies of the world have the wealth of experience, the human and material resources from which countries of developing democracies can benefit from. This is in addition to the fact that historically and going by the contemporary exigencies of the world demand that the more advanced segments of humanity should demonstrate more than a passing interest in the growth of democracy, the economic advancement, peace, security and stability of Africa.

”With the Electoral Act, 2022 political parties are now more than before, expected to emphasis the use and application of ICT and related technology in their internal affairs and interaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission most especially in voter education of the electorates.

“Failure to meet up these demands, will no doubt affect the performance of their obligations in the electoral process. However, the reality as it is, is that most of the political parties are grossly deficient in their possession of computer hard wares as well as human capacity in the use and application of ICT which may have great impact on the outcome of the forthcoming general elections.

“To enhance their capacity, to meet up with the challenges and demands of the Electoral Act in the countdown to the 2023 elections, majority of the political parties will be needing external intervention and assistance in terms of capacity building and acquisition of the required ICT hard wares.

“The EU Election Observation Mission and other development partners will do very well to look into this aspect in their consideration of providing support towards success of the 2023 election.”